Tagged as the ‘poor man’s drink’, lambanog (coconut wine or coconut vodka) is an alcoholic beverage

 distilled from the sap of unopened coconut flower. Lambanog is famous in Quezon province and in San Juan,

Batangas where coconut trees grow in abundance.

Do you now that “lambanog” the Philippine alcoholic liquor, most commonly known as coconut wine, is now

being sold in the United States?Until recently, “lambanog” was primarily a local drink and widely enjoyed by the

natives, particularly of the coconut-producing regions in the Philippines. Festive occasions are incomplete without

the “tagay” and the “pulutan.”

But because of its long existence as a cottage industry product, the coconut wine is beginning to gain

worldwide recognition.Its introduction to world market began with exports to Taiwan and Cambodia in 2001.

Since then, it has enjoyed increasing exposure and popularity.And lately, “lambanog” or VuQo as the producers

named it, made its debut in the United States. Besides, the ABC Studios in Hollywood held its own launching of the

wine.Malcolm Barret and Christoper Atkins were among the celebrities who were present. Alexis Monsanto, a Filipino

fashion designer was among the group, too. He said VuQo reminded him of his childhood in the Philippines. He grew

up in Batangas.Rich Cabel, CEO of VuQo Incorporated, the company that manufctures VuQo, related that it took them

four years to refine the product. And now that it is out, they will maximize their efforts todevelop a plan of marketing for

their finished product in the United States.

Lambanog is a Philippine alcoholic beverage most commonly described as coconut wine or coconut vodka.

The drink is distilled from the sap of the unopened coconut flower, and is known for its potency and high

alcohol content (80 and 90 proof). Most of the Lambanog distilleries are in theQuezon province of Luzon, Philippines.

 In the late 1990s, the Industrial Technology Development Institute, along with the Department of Science and

Technology began working with the three biggest distilleries to standardize the distillation process. This collaboration

has improved the quality of the product. Its introduction to the world market began with exports to Taiwan and

Cambodia in 2001.Since then, it has enjoyed increasing exposure and popularity since. Because it is an organic,

(chemical-free) product, Lambanog makes a unique addition to the liquor market.