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Origin, history, and Panamanian character.
One free spirit
Pedro Mandinga was an escaped slave leader and captain of communities that resisted colonial power in the 16th-century Caribbean. A symbol of rebellion and freedom, he operated from the jungles of the Isthmus of Panama, where he led resistance networks and forged his own destiny. His story also links him with the corsair Sir Francis Drake, whom he guided as an ally in the territory.
It is said that in 1572, both of them observed the isthmus together from the top of a tree in the jungle, contemplating what was then known as "the gates of the seas, the keys of the universe": that unique point where two oceans meet. A moment that summarizes the strategic and symbolic importance of Panama as a territory of connection.
Today, we honor that spirit with a craft rum made in Panama. It's not just a name. It's an attitude.
The Distillery Panamanian Craft
Pedro Mandinga was founded in 2016 in Panama City as an independent distillery dedicated to the artisanal production of rum.
Each batch is crafted in small volumes, controlling every stage of the process to preserve the character of the rum and the identity of its ingredients.
Here, we're not looking to produce more. We're looking to produce better.
That's why we work with slow fermentations, copper pot still distillation, and carefully selected raw materials.
That's the heart of Panama Craft Distillery.
Our ingredient more important
Pedro Mandinga rum is born from raspadura, an ingredient deeply tied to Panamanian tradition. This is unrefined cane sugar obtained by slowly cooking cane juice until it transforms into a solid block, preserving all its natural richness, flavor, and character.
Our rum comes from artisanal producers in the Chiriquí highlands, where sugarcane is cultivated in one of the country's most important agricultural regions. This origin not only guarantees quality but also connects each bottle to Panamanian farming labor and heritage.
The result is a rum with true Panamanian "terroir": notes of caramel, ripe fruit, and fresh cane that give it depth and personality. More than an ingredient, raspadura is a way to preserve a living tradition and capture the spirit of Panama in every sip.
Our process
The *raspadura* is diluted and ferments slowly for approximately one week, allowing for the development of nobler and more complex alcohols.
It is then distilled in a copper pot and column still made by Arnold Holstein, equipped with nine bubble plates that allow for precise and clean distillation.
The result is a balanced, expressive rum with its own identity.
Commitment to the local
Being a craft distillery also means working closely with our environment.
That's why we use molasses from local producers in Chiriquí, supporting traditional agriculture and strengthening the Panamanian rum value chain.
We believe that a great rum is defined not only by its taste, but also by the story of the people and place that make it possible.
THE DISTILLERY
Panama
Our distillery is located in Panama City, where we produce our rums in small batches using artisanal processes.
Each step—from fermentation to distillation—is carried out under careful control, allowing us to preserve the natural character of the raspadura.
This approach allows us to create rums with identity, complexity, and balance.
Fermentation SLOW
Fermentation is one of the most important moments in the process.
At Pedro Mandinga, we allow fermentation to occur slowly over approximately one week. This additional time allows for the development of more complex aromatic compounds and a smoother alcohol profile.
Patience is an essential part of the outcome.
Distillation in copper
Our rums are distilled in a copper still made by Arnold Holstein, globally renowned for its precision and quality.
The nine-plate system allows for careful control of the purity and structure of the distillate.
Copper also helps eliminate unwanted compounds, achieving a clean and elegant rum.
process artisanal
Each batch we produce is the result of a combination of tradition, technique, and attention to detail.
We do not use mass industrial processes. We prefer to work in controlled volumes that allow us to ensure the quality of each bottle. That commitment is what defines La Destilería Artesanal de Panamá.
Sustainability
Pedro Mandinga, despite its artisanal rum production, demonstrates a firm commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. This is evident in its support for local raspadura suppliers with fair prices, the optimization of water usage in the distillery, and waste reduction through the use of stainless steel tanks.
Additionally, the company grants music scholarships to children through the Danilo Pérez Foundation and is proud to be the first Panamanian distillery founded by women, thus balancing the production of high-quality rum with environmental care and support for its community.