Hacienda Luisita, located in the northern part of the Philippines, is not only known for its production of sugarcane and the creation of Luisita Rum but also for its rich history and unique characteristics.
The estate's connection to the Marques de Comillas of Spain adds a touch of European influence to its story. Acquiring the land in 1881, the Marques established La Compañía General de Tabacos de Filipinas with the intention of growing tobacco. However, due to unfavorable results, the decision was made to shift to sugarcane cultivation. This shift proved to be a wise choice, as Hacienda Luisita flourished during the early 20th century.
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Hacienda Luisita became an important supplier of sugar to the United States. With the growing demand for sugar in the US market, the estate played a significant role, contributing approximately 20% of the sugar supplied to the US during that time. This success led to the installation of the first distillation column in 1927, marking a milestone in the estate's development and the production of sugarcane-based products.
The estate's historical significance extends to the World War II era. As the Philippines faced the challenges of war, Hacienda Luisita found itself changing hands between the Japanese and US armies. In 1945, General Douglas MacArthur, a prominent figure in the US military, set up his headquarters at the estate. This connection to such a notable historical figure adds to the estate's legacy.
In 1958, Hacienda Luisita underwent a transition and was turned over to a Filipino family. This marked a turning point in the estate's ownership and the continuation of its legacy within the local community.
Fast forward to 2015, the birth of Luisita Rum brought a modern touch to Hacienda Luisita's offerings. The rum is crafted using the dark, rich molasses produced from the estate's sugarcane. Fermentation, distillation, and aging take place in oak barrels, resulting in a classic Spanish-style rum that captures the essence of the land and its people.
One of the unique aspects of Hacienda Luisita is its location near Mt. Arayat's volcanic plains. This proximity, combined with the absence of rivers or water estuaries in the area, provides the sugarcane with optimal conditions for growth. The volcanic soils offer essential nutrients, allowing the sugar cane to produce high levels of sugars, which contribute to the quality and flavor of the rum.
The commitment to quality and authenticity is evident in every step of the rum-making process. Only the best molasses with a brix level of 84 is used for fermentation. The "mother yeast," a crucial element in the fermentation process, has been cultivated on-site since the 1980s. This attention to detail and reliance on in-house processes ensures that each bottle of Luisita Rum delivers a truly exceptional and unique experience.
Hacienda Luisita's story is one of resilience, adaptation, and a deep connection to the land. From its origins as a tobacco estate to its transformation into a sugarcane powerhouse and the birth of Luisita Rum, the estate continues to thrive and showcase the best of Filipino craftsmanship and heritage.
Luisita rum is available in the United Kingdom exclusively by Precious Drops.