The Hague, 30 September 2021 - “The Philippines’ Don Papa Rum has grown to be among the top three premium rums in The Netherlands by volume,” according to Mr. Olaf Kerstens of André Kerstens B.V., the rum’s distributor in The Netherlands during a visit of Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya to its offices. “It’s popularity is continuing to grow phenomenally, and it is hope we could secure the number position in the premium Dutch rum market.”
Mr. Kerstens presented a limited edition of Don Papa Port, which commemorates the 500th year circumnavigation of the world by explorer Ferdinand Magellan. The limited edition of Don Papa Port will be launched in November 2021.
“We are proud to share this premium-aged rum to our Dutch friends as it is among the Philippines’ best products,” Ambassador Malaya said. “Rum-making has a long tradition in the country, and Filipinos have enjoyed them for ages.”
Mr. Kerstens and Mr. Henk Hetzel, the brand ambassador, presented the company’s rum portfolio to Ambassador Malaya.
Don Papa Rum is produced in the foothills of the active volcano Mount Kanlaon in the island of Negros, the sugarcane capital of the country. It is manufactured by the Bleeding Heart Rum Company and named after Dionisio Magbueles, a.k.a Papa Isio, a sugarcane farmer who played a key role in the late 19th century revolution in freeing the island of Negros from Spanish rule. He also was also among the last Filipino revolutionary leaders to surrender to the Americans.
Don Papa Rum became available in Dutch market through André Kerstens B.V. in 2015, which imported it from the Philippines in containers. It is bottled in The Netherlands by Herman Jansen Beverages Nederland B.V. in Schiedam, NL.
Don Papa Rum comes in different varieties and ’barrel finishes’ and could be used as mixers for cocktails, in ice cream, cakes, desserts, coffee or simply on the rocks. It is available in most wine shops and liquor stores in The Netherlands.
André Kerstens B.V. was founded in 1880 by André Kerstens in Tilburg. It is certified as a KVNW Register Wine Merchant and is a major importer and distributor of wines, champagnes, port, sherry, Madeira, cider and spirits from France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Germany, among others, and the Don Papa rums from the Philippines. The 4th generation of Kerstens, Mr. Olaf moved the company to The Hague in 2009. He is a vinologist and teacher at the Dutch Wine Academy. André Kerstens BV is certified
The André Kerstens B.V. shop is located at Kazernestraat 112 2514 CW, The Hague, and can be reached through telephone no. +31.704.278.321, email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and website https://andrekerstens.nl/.
