The Philippines’ oldest distillery exhibited its full product line, including a corn-based whiskey, to lead the country’s inaugural participation in the three-day Restaurant and Bar Hong Kong (RBHK) 2017 starting on 5 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
Founded in Manila in 1852, Destileria Limtuaco & Co. Inc. exhibited Julius James Whisky, which is distilled from corn sourced from Isabela Province, for the first time in Hong Kong after its debut at the Madrid Fusion gastronomy congress in April 2017. It is named after the company’s third and fourth generation master blenders, James V. Limpe and Julius T. Limpe.
Destileria Limtuaco’s line of artisanal spirits earned positive nods and elicited inquiries from RBHK visitors. Destilleria’s line ranges from distilled drinks such as brandy, tequila, vodka and gin, to fermented or flavored beverages, such as wine and aperitifs utilizing natural ingredients like cacao, coffee, dalandan (sweet orange), calamansi (calamondin), coconut sap and mango.
Other notable brands that drew raves were Very Old Captain Rum, which is blend aged in ex-bourbon barrels for eight years); Amadeo Liqueur, an all-natural coffee liqueur made with four kinds of Philippine coffee beans, namely, arabica, robusta, liberica and excelsa; Intramuros Liqueur de Cacao; and the mainstays Manille Liqueur de Dalandan and Paradise Mango Rum.
Mr. Benny Aw, Destillerias Limtuaco’s Senior Vice President for International Sales and Mr.Clifford Dan Limpe-Aw, International Sales Coordinator, led the participation.
RBHK showcased thousands of products from the Hotel and F&B industries, including food, wines/beers/spirits, coffee/tea/juice and other beverages, tableware, glassware, cooking equipment, technology, furnishings, design, and other F&B services.
In a feature event, a 21-year-old chef from Solaire Resort and Casino represented the Philippines in the Asian edition of an international search for the best young chef. January Mae R. Belardo competed against seven other chefs of up to 24 years old from China, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam at the 10th Young Talents Escoffier.
Formerly known as Disciples Escoffier Young Talent Trophy, the competition was organized by Disciples Escoffier International, a 63-year-old association based in Nice, France and comprising 25,000 followers who adhere to recipes, techniques, and approaches to kitchen management established by pioneering chef and restaurateur Auguste Escoffier.
