Festival inspired rum, infused with indigenous Filipino spices, fruits and honey
Masskara, the infused-rum release from Don Papa Rum, the premium single island rum from the Philippines, continues to enjoy global success as it launches into the UK market, with J Sainsburys as the first retailer to list Europe’s fastest growing Super Premium rum brand. Inspired by and in tribute to the iconic Masskara Festival, the annual masked and fantasy-filled fiesta held in Bacolod, capital city of Negros Island in the Philippines, this popular edition is infused with indigenous spices and citrus found on the country’s tropical landscape.
Using the finest sugarcane grown on the rich volcanic soil of Negros Island (known locally as Sugarlandia), Don Papa Masskara is distilled from local molasses known as ‘Black Gold’ and aged in American oak barrels for three years before it is blended with a pot still infusion of tropical ingredients locally-sourced in the Philippines. The rich Philippine honey sweetens the senses; the wonderful hand-picked calamansi lime (native to the Philippines) adds distinctive citrus notes while the fiery local pepper, Siling Labuyo (one of the hottest chilis in the world), adds a touch of heat and spice.
Distilled at 40% ABV, this distinctly rich, sweet and citrus infused rum evokes the joyous nature of its namesake fiesta. MassKara, also known as the Festival of Smiles, is an annual masquerade extravaganza which fills the streets and October air with colourful costumed revelers, dancers and parades. Much like the Festival, Don Papa Masskara is rich and exuberant with a delightful bee like sting on the finish.
Available on Amazon (linked here) and in Sainsburys from April 2026: £29
Visit: www.donpaparum.com