Spanish spirits brand Torres brought its Global Brand Ambassador Cristobal Cofré to the country for an exclusive bar takeover at AKA Day/Night Drinks in Timog, Quezon City last July 24, and at Polilya Craft Beer and Cocktails in Poblacion, Makati last July 25. The Philippines was the renowned bartender’s first stop for his regional tour before heading to the Asia’s 50 Best Bars event.
“We chose to come to Manila first because it is a highly important and dynamic market,“ said Torres Spirits Regional Manager Ricard Vidal. “The historical and cultural links between Spain and the Philippines create a natural bridge that facilitates brand storytelling, connection with consumers, and long-term brand building.
A Celebration of Cocktail Cultures
The bar takeovers saw Cofré on full bar shifts in two of the country’s top bars. He created drinks infused with Torres’ various brandy expressions using local ingredients. He also collaborated with Filipino bartenders to create cocktails unique to the event.
Cofré said he saw an exciting opportunity to experience a new cocktail culture firsthand in his Manila visit.
“I’m excited to discover new flavors, new tropical fruits, and the palate of the Filipinos and their cocktail culture. I’m Chilean, and we might have a similarity in taste because of our Spanish heritage,” he stated.
Cofré also shared that some of the best and fastest line bartenders he knows are Filipino bartenders from cruise ships, and he is excited to get to know more of them. One of the highlights of his visit in Manila is a collaboration with some of the country’s top bartenders.
“I truly enjoyed sharing my love and passion for brandy during my visit, and I encouraged all the attendees to ask as much as they want. Curiosity is the mirror that takes me everywhere,” he said.
With nearly two decades in the hospitality and spirits industry, Cofré has built an international career fueled by education and a passion for storytelling. Apart from being a bartender, he is also a self-trained cocktail photographer.
Cofré entered the industry in 2008 while working to finance his university studies. His part-time job soon turned into a lifelong profession, with his career taking from five-star hotels in Chile to cruise ships and eventually as the Global Brand Ambassador for Juan Torres Master Distillers. He currently leads the Torres Brandy Zero Challenge, a sustainable bar competition held in different countries that is now in its 4th edition.
Bringing Torres Brandy to the World, One Cocktail at a Time
For Torres Brandy, bringing Cofré for the two-night bar takeovers is an opportunity to let Filipinos learn more about Torres’ history and legacy and, more importantly, how its spirits are crafted with a commitment to quality, tradition, and modernity.
“Our goal is for them to see Torres as more than just a drink, but a brand they can relate to, trust, and proudly choose for their special moments and everyday occasions,” noted Vidal.
The Torres brand traces its roots to Penedès, Spain, where the family has been cultivating vineyards since the 16th century. The brand as it is known today, meanwhile, was established in 1870 when Jaime Torres Vendrell founded Casa Torres, a company dedicated to wine. In 1928, Juan Torres Casals started using oak barrels to age brandy made from the best white wines from Penedès.
Torres has been the best-selling brandy in the world’s top bars for seven consecutive years, as per Drinks International Brands Report 2026. It is the official sponsor of Asia’s 50 Best Bars and The World’s 50 Best Bars, sponsoring country-level titles like the Best Bar in Singapore and Best Bar in Japan.
“At Torres, we have always paid close attention to how consumption evolves, from emerging trends to new flavors. Brandy has been present in cocktail culture since its earliest days, and its versatility has made it a key ingredient in both classic and contemporary creations. As we move forward, we embrace new challenges with the same passion and craftsmanship that have defined us from the beginning,” added Vidal.
To learn more details about Torres, www.torresbrandy.com/en. Torres products, including its flagship Philippine product Torres 5 Light, are available at www.shots.ph, and in select liquor stores and supermarkets in the Philippines.