EAT IN ASIA / Food destinations / Philippines - filipino food
Visit Destileria Limtuaco in Manila - the oldest existing distillery in the Philippines
Would you like to see how an authentic and the oldest alcohol distillery looked like years ago in Manila, in the Philippines? If so, don’t miss visiting this unique museum.
Although the Destileria Limtuaco Museum is not very huge, it is worth visiting it. It will definitively give you an insight into the history and into the whole production process of the most famous alcohol beverages in the Philippines.
A short history of a distillatory with a long tradition - Destileria Limtuaco
In 1852 Liam Tua Co started his business in Manila’s Chinatown, in Binondo. Liam Tua Co was a Chinese merchant originating from the Xiamen province in China.
The first product that he was selling was this famous Chinese herbal wine - Siok Hoc Tong. The business was run by the Limtuaco family till the World War II. During years of the occupation, the distillery was overtaken by the Japanese Imperium. It was a strategic place, but the successor of the founder, Limpe, managed to destroy stocks of the distillery. This act caused Limpe’s imprisonment in the Fort Bonifacio.
Finally, Limpe was released and after the World War II he continued the family’s traditional business. However, his way of the management was different from the previous one. That was the moment when the first vodka was distilled and sold.
Next generations of the Liam Tua Co family introduced many changes and improvements. First of all, patents were developed. Then, several plants were bought. Finally, it is worth mentioning, that a big stress was put on the advertisement and promotion including such media and channels like television, newspapers and radio.
That was also the moment when White Castle Whiskey was introduced and which, starting from the beginning, was very successful.
Unfortunately, the distillery Destileria Limtuaco experienced some financial problems too. The first visible one took place in 90’s. During these years, strikes of labors were taking place. In consequence, the distillery’s production line was stopped for about half year. Although these strikes had a big impact on the financial situation of the distillery Destileria Limtuaco, the company managed to overgo problems thanks to the export.
Another financial crash took place during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. However, also this time the distillery was able to skip the bankrupting thanks to the smart management. This time, although the sales of alcoholic beverages was drastically diminished due to all restrictions and due to the fact that many bars and restaurants were not operating during this period, the distillery changed his production line to fulfill market’s needs. What they did, was showing their ability to fit the market and to be able to flexibly react to changing conditions. They introduced their own disinfectant alcohol and in the same time were able to overgo the global crisis.
XXI century was time marked with many changes. A lot of new products was introduced including souvenir liquors and Philippine Craft Spirits. This century is also the time for expanding the export market including such countries like Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Japan, China and South Korea.
Destileria Limtuaco Museum
This museum was created in 1982 and owned by the Limtuaco family. Located in the Old Town, Intramurous, Manila, this place stayed for years closed to the public. The purpose of creating this place was not to lose the history of the company and of the family-owned business. For many years this museum stayed and served as family's private area and till 2018 tourists were not allowed in. Everything changed in that year and very quickly, this museum became an obligatory place on the touristic map.
The Destileria Limtuaco Museum is situated in an old building and has two levels. The ground floor presents mainly the distillation process of the alcohol. Here, you will be able to see needed utensils, machines, barrels for storing liquors and final bottles.
Sections in the Destileria Limtuaco Museum
On the first floor you will have a unique option to see a wide collection of bottles with Limtuaco’s alcohol starting from the year 1852 up to now. Actually, you will be able to see about hundred twenty different bottles and, what is the highlight, is the bottle of the distillatory Destileria Limtuaco first alcoholic product – Siok Hoc Tong. This oldest bottle is from 1920s, so over 100 years old!
The museum also presents some family’s everyday items and some newspaper articles that document the history and the evolution of the Destileria Limtuaco. Apart from that, you will definitively mention calendars with company’s alcohols.
Finally, you will be able to see won by the distillery prizes and obtained awards.
Destileria Limtuaco products
The first product of this distillatory was a Chinese herbal tonic wine named Siok Hoc Tong (In other countries, like for example in the Dominican Republic also exists a herbal alcohol beverage - Mamajuna). This drink was obtained from a long list of traditional Chinese herbs and is also known under the name Kung Fu.
Among some of these herbs are ngo ka pee, giok kui pee, chuan kion, wang chin, red dates, shu ming, siok tee, pay chee, tong kwi, kam kok, kong ting hiong.
Apart from that, White Castle Whisky cannot be not listed.
What might be interesting for you, in the beginning of the XXI century, this distillatory started producing alcoholic beverages for souvenir purposes.
On the list of these new line products, you can find flavored fruit liquors like Manille Liqueur de Calamansi, Manille Liqueur de Dalandan and Paradise Mango Rum.
The list of craft products could not exist without a coffee flavored Amadeo Coffee Liqueur and Vigan Basi that is a sugarcane wine. Finally, an exquisite palm liquor San Juan Lambanog and this exceptional Very Old Captain Artisan Crafted Dark Rum are worth tasting and buying.
Tasting Destileria Limtuaco’s alcohol beverages
But to fully feel the atmosphere and the spirit, you must participate in the degustation of these liquors. This, paid additionally activity, will give you a unique option of testing many different and famous alcoholic beverages. No matter whether you prefer light drinks or you are more for strong alcohols, you will find many options for you.
Thanks to that, you will be also able to choose these beverages that you like the most. Finally, in the on-site store you will have the possibility of buying selected products. Remember that some of them are available only in the store in the Destileria Limtuaco Museum.
Author: Beti – A passionate traveler and lover of Asian cuisine, especially Thai and Japanese dishes, Bernadeta brings her culinary and cultural experiences to life in her writing. Beyond her travels, she’s an avid technology enthusiast with a deep interest in data processing, merging her love for exploration with analytical insights.
Photographer: Adalbert – An aficionado of computers and photography, Adalbert captures the essence of diverse cuisines with a discerning eye. A connoisseur of rich flavors and particularly fond of meat-based dishes, he combines his technical skills with his passion for the culinary arts in every shot.
