Village Connect
Spanish spirits brand Torres Brandy strengthened its presence in the Philippines by bringing Global Brand Ambassador Cristobal Cofré to Manila for a two-night series of exclusive guest shifts, highlighting the brand’s rich heritage and the growing local cocktail scene. The events were held at AKA Day/Night Drinks in Quezon City on July 24 and Polilya Craft Beer and Cocktails in Makati on July 25, marking the Philippines as the first stop of Cofré’s regional tour before attending Asia’s 50 Best Bars.
According to Torres Spirits Regional Manager Ricard Vidal, Manila was selected as the opening destination because of its importance as a vibrant market and its deep historical ties with Spain, creating a meaningful connection between the brand and Filipino consumers.
Throughout the guest shifts, Cofré crafted signature cocktails featuring different Torres Brandy expressions while incorporating locally sourced ingredients. Working alongside Filipino bartenders, he also developed exclusive drinks that reflected a blend of Spanish craftsmanship and Filipino creativity.
The Chilean bartender expressed his enthusiasm for exploring the country’s cocktail culture, saying he was eager to discover local tropical flavors and better understand Filipino tastes. He also praised Filipino bartenders, many of whom he has worked with on international cruise ships, and welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with some of the country’s leading mixologists.
With nearly 20 years of experience in hospitality and the spirits industry, Cofré has built a global career that began while supporting his university education. His journey eventually led him from luxury hotels in Chile and international cruise ships to becoming Global Brand Ambassador for Juan Torres Master Distillers. Beyond bartending, he is also recognized as a cocktail photographer and currently leads the Torres Brandy Zero Challenge, an international sustainability-focused bartending competition now in its fourth edition.
The Manila events also introduced guests to the history of Torres Brandy, whose origins date back to the 16th century in Spain’s Penedès region. The modern Torres brand was established in 1870, while its signature brandy production began in 1928 when Juan Torres Casals pioneered aging brandy in oak barrels using premium white wines from the region.
Torres continues to enjoy worldwide recognition, having been named the best-selling brandy in the world’s top bars for seven consecutive years in the Drinks International Brands Report 2026. The brand also serves as an official sponsor of both Asia’s 50 Best Bars and The World’s 50 Best Bars, reflecting its longstanding commitment to cocktail culture and innovation.
Vidal emphasized that Torres aims to be recognized not only for its premium spirits but also as a brand that combines tradition, craftsmanship, and modern creativity. By bringing international expertise to Manila while collaborating with local bartenders, Torres reaffirmed its commitment to inspiring new cocktail experiences and strengthening its connection with Filipino consumers.
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