Filipino spirits come to the City of Angels

Genever Bar/Lounge was started by three enterprising UCLA alumni Tinette Sumiller, Roselma Samal, and Trisha Sandoval. The three owners make up Red Capiz Partners (RCP). WEBSITE

LOS ANGELES – At the lavish underground EDISON Bar/Lounge in Downtown Los Angeles, next to Little Tokyo, Don Papa’s Rums found a new and eager group of tasters sipping sample glasses of its 7-year-old, 10-year-old, and sherry casked Negros Occidental cane sugar-based rums.

The complimentary tasting event on June 20 was part of Edison’s weekly exposure for liquor aficionados hosted by the Pacific Food & Beverage Museum, recently established in San Pedro as part of the National Food & Beverage Foundation.

Standing left to right: Don Papa Rum tasting hosts/representatives Fred Makapugay and noted food blogger Prairie Rose examine differences in 7-year-old rum (vanilla sweetness) with 10-year-old-rum (deeper darker molasses) both aged in bourbon casks, and Don Papa sherry-casked (drier, fruity and nutty). INQUIRER/Florante Ibanez

Fred Makapugay and noted food blogger Prairie Rose represented the beverage and shared their knowledge of Don Papa Rum history in the Philippines and noted the aroma and taste differences according to the different processing requirements. The large number of RSVPs required two tasting sessions back to back. After the tastings, attendees were encouraged to try three Edison specialty cocktails, with proceeds going to the Museum.

Meanwhile, in the Historic Filipinotown section of Los Angeles, “Not Your Father’s Milk” is one of the signature cocktails at the Genever Bar/Lounge started by three enterprising UCLA alumni Tinette Sumiller, Roselma Samala, and Trisha Sandoval. The three owners make up Red Capiz Partners (RCP).

Genever Bar Lounge’s interior decor. WEBSITE

Genever is the juniper-flavored traditional liquor of Holland and Belgium from which gin evolved. The ladies consider their establishment to be a gin bar, where the “Drink is Queen.”

Started in March 2018, Genever is doing well with a regular clientele already established. Genever also supports local non-profit organizations’ events, like the recent Burlesque Las FilipinX Night fundraiser for Fil-Am ARTS. Visit them at www.geneverla.com and support Filipina entrepreneurs.