Dos Maderas Origen Philippines: Keď filipínsky rum zrie v sudoch po sherry

Dos Maderas Origen Philippines is the second release in the limited-edition Dos Maderas Origen series. This 6-year-old dark rum from the Philippines undergoes additional maturation in 80-year-old Amontillado sherry casks after its initial ageing. As a result, it combines the fruity and subtly floral character of Filipino rum with the complex notes imparted by Spanish sherry.

The Origen series demonstrates how rums from less traditional rum-producing regions evolve when finished in historic sherry casks. Only 18,000 bottles of the Philippines edition were produced worldwide, bottled at 42.7% ABV. No further production of this edition is planned once stocks sell out, making it an interesting limited release not only for Dos Maderas enthusiasts but also for collectors of unusual rums.

Dos Maderas and Its Origen Series

The Dos Maderas brand belongs to the Spanish winery and spirits producer Williams & Humbert, based in Jerez de la Frontera, Andalusia. Its philosophy combines the Caribbean tradition of rum production with the rich heritage of Spanish sherry. After initially ageing in their countries of origin, the rums are transported to Spain, where they undergo further maturation in sherry casks, developing their distinctive character. Dos Maderas is renowned for ageing its rums using the Solera system.

The name Dos Maderas literally translates as "two woods", referring to this combination of two environments and two maturation methods.

The Unique Dos Maderas Origen Rum Series

The Origen series is a limited-edition collector's range from Dos Maderas, designed to showcase a rum from a different country of origin each year. Each release highlights the diversity of rums from around the world, while their final maturation in sherry casks in Jerez, Spain, remains the common element.

The brand refers to this approach as Reverse Finishing. Rather than transporting sherry casks to the rum's country of origin, the spirit itself travels to Jerez, where it develops its final character in historic Williams & Humbert casks. The Origen series thus combines the distinctive character of each country of origin with Andalusia's winemaking and sherry traditions.

The first release in the series was Dos Maderas Origen Thailand – a 12-year-old Thai rum finished in Oloroso sherry casks more than 80 years old. Origen Philippines builds on this concept but introduces a completely different style of spirit and a different type of sherry cask.

Why the Philippines and Amontillado Sherry?

For a long time, the Philippines was relatively underrepresented in the rum market, despite its rich history of sugarcane cultivation and rum production. Perhaps the best-known brand from this region was Don Papa from the island of Negros. Later, brands such as Marama and Tanduay entered the European market, introducing a different side of Filipino rum. It is interesting to see how the Spanish master blenders at Dos Maderas, who typically work with Caribbean rums and sherry, have approached Filipino rum.

Filipino rums can offer pronounced fruitiness, estery notes and subtle floral characteristics, creating a distinctive foundation for further maturation.

Amontillado sherry also plays an important role here. This style of sherry is known for its complex flavour, which can include notes of nuts, dried fruit, wood and herbs. Amontillado casks transfer these characteristics to the rum, adding greater depth while preserving its original character.

Origen Philippines vs. Origen Thailand

While last year's release in the series, Origen Thailand, was an older, heavier and spicier rum, this year's edition offers a younger, fruitier and lighter expression. These differences are influenced by age, the types of casks used for maturation and the countries of origin themselves.

Both editions showcase different aspects of the Origen series. While Thailand may have appealed to lovers of fuller-bodied, spicier rums, Philippines is an interesting choice for those who prefer a fruitier character and a more balanced interaction between the spirit and the sherry cask.

Dos Maderas Origen Philippines Review

The Filipino rum used here is relatively young, yet it has a lovely estery, fruity and subtly floral character. This pairs exceptionally well with Amontillado sherry casks. As mentioned earlier, these casks add body to the spirit, contributing notes ranging from nuts and dried fruit to wood, along with delicate saline, floral and herbal nuances. All of these characteristics are reflected in the finished rum.

Nose

On the nose, this rum is delicate and fruity, with notes of honey, vanilla, tropical fruit, wood, flowers, citrus and nuts. Its aroma is complemented by subtle hints of sea salt and dried fruit.

Palate

The palate is woody and bittersweet, revealing wood tannins, dried fruit, salted nuts, honey, citrus, tropical fruit, molasses and delicate floral notes.

Finish

The finish is long, bittersweet, earthy and creamy, with lingering notes of oak, citrus, flowers, salted nuts, dried fruit, molasses and tropical fruit.

Overall Verdict

Although this is not the intense sherry bomb we have come to expect from Dos Maderas rums, the Amontillado sherry cask maturation beautifully complements the rum's profile. The slightly higher alcohol content enhances its body and gives it a pleasant, velvety mouthfeel.

As I also mentioned in the video, this is a well-balanced rum best enjoyed neat. It can appeal not only to Dos Maderas fans but also to those who enjoy discovering rums from less traditional regions.

With only 18,000 bottles produced, it is also an interesting collector's rum and an opportunity to taste something that is not normally available as part of a permanent range.