Agimat At Ugat Ube Cream Liquor – World's Best Filipino Purple Indulgence

Updated → August 2025

Experience the award-winning Filipino cream liqueur that combines Negros sugarcane vodka with rich cream and authentic ube for a unique purple elixir that's captured hearts worldwide, earning the prestigious World's Best Cream title.

The Filipino Spirits Revolution

The global spirits landscape has witnessed a remarkable transformation in recent years, with craft distilleries from unexpected corners of the world challenging established norms. At the forefront of this revolution stands Agimat At Ugat Ube Cream Liquor, a groundbreaking creation that emerged from the tropical rainforests of Malay, near the pristine beaches of Boracay Island.

This isn't just another cream liqueur trying to replicate established formulas. It represents a bold declaration of Filipino creativity and innovation in the spirits industry. Founded in 2016, Destileria Barako brought together an international brewmaster, a seasoned distiller, and a master mixologist with a shared vision: to showcase the authentic flavors of the Philippines while honoring its rich folklore traditions.

The name itself carries deep cultural significance. "Agimat" refers to traditional Filipino amulets believed to possess mystical protective powers, while "Ugat" means root, symbolizing the deep connection to Filipino heritage. This spiritual dimension sets Agimat At Ugat Ube Cream Liquor apart from conventional spirits, infusing each bottle with cultural storytelling.

Understanding the Ube Phenomenon

Ube, the vibrant purple yam native to the Philippines, has transcended its traditional culinary boundaries to become a global sensation. Unlike regular purple sweet potatoes, ube possesses a distinctively nutty, vanilla-like flavor with subtle floral notes that create an incredibly complex taste profile. Its natural purple hue isn't just visually striking—it represents the essence of Filipino cuisine and culture.

In Agimat At Ugat Ube Cream Liquor, this beloved ingredient finds its most innovative expression yet. The transformation from traditional dessert ingredient to sophisticated liqueur represents a masterful balance of respect for tradition and modern innovation. The ube used in production is carefully sourced to ensure consistent quality and authentic flavor that captures the true essence of this remarkable tuber.

What makes ube particularly suited for cream liqueur production is its natural compatibility with dairy. The earthy sweetness harmonizes beautifully with full cream, creating a velvety texture that coats the palate without overwhelming it. This synergy forms the foundation of what judges at international competitions have recognized as a truly exceptional product.

Award-Winning Legacy

The accolades earned by Agimat At Ugat Ube Cream Liquor read like a who's who of international spirits competitions. The journey began at the prestigious SIP Awards in California, where it not only earned a Double Gold medal in 2021 but also captured the Philippines' first-ever Product Innovation Award. This recognition from the world's largest consumer-judged spirits competition validated what Filipino spirits enthusiasts had known all along—this was something truly special.

The pinnacle of recognition came in 2022 when the World Liqueur Awards crowned it as the World's Best Cream Liqueur. This wasn't just a category win; it was a declaration that a Filipino product had outperformed established international brands with decades of market dominance. The achievement resonated throughout the Philippines and the global Filipino diaspora, proving that innovation and quality know no geographical boundaries.

Building on this momentum, Agimat At Ugat Ube Cream Liquor continued its winning streak with a Platinum Medal and another Innovation Award at the 2023 SIP Awards, followed by a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. These consecutive victories demonstrate consistent excellence rather than fleeting success.

Craft Distilling Excellence

The foundation of Agimat At Ugat Ube Cream Liquor begins with premium triple-distilled vodka crafted from fresh Bacolod sugarcane. This isn't a random choice—Negros Island has been synonymous with superior sugarcane production for centuries, and Destileria Barako harnesses this agricultural heritage to create an exceptionally smooth base spirit.

The distillation process occurs at their state-of-the-art facility in Malay, Aklan, home to the Philippines' largest craft distilling fractioning column. Through three separate distillation runs, the sharp heads cut and oily tails are meticulously removed, ensuring only the purest heart of the distillate makes it into the final product. This attention to detail continues through four filtration passes using charcoal made from Mindoro coconut husks, a sustainable practice that adds subtle complexity while achieving remarkable smoothness.

The marriage of this exceptional vodka base with rich full cream and authentic ube extract requires precise temperature control and timing. The cream is sourced from local dairies that meet stringent quality standards, ensuring consistency and freshness. The ube preparation involves a proprietary process that extracts maximum flavor while preserving the natural color that makes this liqueur instantly recognizable.

Flavor Profile Analysis

Upon first encounter, Agimat At Ugat Ube Cream Liquor presents an alluring purple hue that immediately sets expectations for something unique. The nose offers an inviting bouquet of vanilla and nutty notes, with subtle hints of coconut and taro that speak to its Filipino heritage.

On the palate, the initial impression is one of velvety smoothness. The cream provides a luxurious mouthfeel without the cloying sweetness that plagues many cream liqueurs. The ube flavor emerges gradually, starting with earthy, nutty notes before revealing layers of vanilla and subtle floral undertones. The sugarcane vodka base provides structure without harshness, allowing the delicate ube flavors to shine through.

The finish is remarkably clean and balanced. Unlike many cream liqueurs that leave a heavy, coating sensation, Agimat At Ugat Ube Cream Liquor concludes with a gentle sweetness and lingering ube essence that invites another sip. The 20% ABV provides enough warmth to be satisfying without overwhelming the delicate flavor balance.

Serving Recommendations

Temperature plays a crucial role in experiencing Agimat At Ugat Ube Cream Liquor at its best. The liqueur should be stored in the refrigerator and served well-chilled. This temperature enhances the cream's texture while allowing the ube flavors to express themselves fully without any alcohol burn.

For purists, serving it neat in a chilled shot glass or small snifter allows full appreciation of the complex flavor profile. The viscous texture and vibrant color create a visually stunning presentation that enhances the tasting experience. Some enthusiasts prefer it over ice, which gradually dilutes the liqueur and opens up additional flavor notes as it warms.

The versatility of Agimat At Ugat Ube Cream Liquor extends to layered shots, where its density and color create stunning visual effects. Bartenders worldwide have embraced it as a key ingredient for creating Instagram-worthy presentations that taste as good as they look.

Cocktail Creations

The cocktail potential of Agimat At Ugat Ube Cream Liquor has captured the imagination of mixologists globally. The Philippines' national cocktail, the Ube Cream Mudslide, showcases its versatility by combining it with coffee liqueur and vodka for a tropical twist on the classic.

Contemporary bartenders have created numerous original cocktails that highlight the liqueur's unique properties. The Purple Rain combines it with coconut rum and pineapple juice for a tropical delight. The Ube Martini pairs it with vanilla vodka and a touch of white chocolate liqueur for an elegant dessert cocktail. For brunch enthusiasts, the Ube Cream White Russian substitutes traditional cream with this purple gem for a colorful morning indulgence.

The liqueur also shines in dessert applications. A boozy halo-halo incorporating Agimat At Ugat Ube Cream Liquor elevates the traditional Filipino shaved ice dessert to new heights. Drizzled over vanilla ice cream or incorporated into milkshakes, it adds both flavor complexity and visual appeal that transforms simple desserts into memorable experiences.

Cultural Significance

Beyond its gustatory appeal, Agimat At Ugat Ube Cream Liquor serves as a liquid ambassador for Filipino culture. The incorporation of ube, a ingredient deeply rooted in Filipino cuisine, into a world-class spirit represents cultural pride and innovation. It demonstrates how traditional flavors can be reimagined for contemporary palates without losing their authentic essence.

The mystical elements embedded in the brand story resonate with Filipinos' deep connection to folklore and spirituality. Each bottle is symbolically blessed and sealed with an agimat, connecting modern consumers with ancient protective traditions. This spiritual dimension adds layers of meaning beyond mere consumption, transforming each serving into a cultural experience.

For the Filipino diaspora, Agimat At Ugat Ube Cream Liquor provides a tangible connection to home. Its availability in international markets allows Filipinos worldwide to share their culture through this unique spirit, introducing friends and colleagues to authentic Filipino flavors in an accessible, premium format.

Production Process

The creation of Agimat At Ugat Ube Cream Liquor involves a meticulous process that balances traditional techniques with modern technology. The journey begins in the sugarcane fields of Negros, where only the finest cane is selected for fermentation. The natural sweetness and purity of Bacolod sugarcane provide an ideal foundation for vodka production.

The fermentation process utilizes specially selected yeast strains that maximize alcohol yield while preserving the subtle flavors inherent in the sugarcane. Temperature control during fermentation ensures consistent results and prevents the development of unwanted congeners that could compromise the final product's smoothness.

The triple distillation process represents the heart of quality control. Each distillation run further refines the spirit, removing impurities while concentrating desirable flavor compounds. The fractioning column's advanced design allows precise separation of heads, hearts, and tails, ensuring only the purest portion enters the final blend. The subsequent quadruple filtration through coconut husk charcoal adds the final polish, resulting in vodka of exceptional clarity and smoothness.

Comparison with Other Cream Liqueurs

When evaluated against established cream liqueurs, Agimat At Ugat Ube Cream Liquor occupies a unique position. Traditional Irish cream liqueurs rely on whiskey bases and focus on chocolate and coffee notes. In contrast, the vodka base allows the ube flavor to take center stage without competing with barrel-aged spirits' complexity.

The texture sets it apart from many competitors. While some cream liqueurs can feel heavy or coating, Agimat At Ugat Ube Cream Liquor achieves a balance between richness and drinkability. The sweetness level, carefully calibrated to complement rather than mask the ube flavor, avoids the cloying quality that limits some cream liqueurs to dessert-only occasions.

The visual impact cannot be understated. The natural purple color derived from ube creates an immediate point of differentiation on store shelves and in cocktails. This isn't achieved through artificial coloring but represents the authentic hue of the key ingredient, adding to the product's premium positioning and natural appeal.

Food Pairing Guide

The versatility of Agimat At Ugat Ube Cream Liquor extends beyond cocktails into culinary applications. Its complex flavor profile makes it an excellent companion to various dishes, particularly desserts that complement its creamy, nutty characteristics.

Traditional Filipino desserts provide natural pairings. Bibingka, the spongy rice cake, gains additional depth when accompanied by a chilled shot. Leche flan's caramel notes harmonize beautifully with the liqueur's vanilla undertones. Even simple puto (steamed rice cakes) become elevated when served alongside this purple elixir.

International desserts also benefit from pairing with Agimat At Ugat Ube Cream Liquor. Vanilla panna cotta provides a neutral canvas that allows the ube flavors to shine. Dark chocolate desserts create interesting contrast, with the liqueur's sweetness balancing cocoa's bitterness. Cheesecake, particularly those with graham cracker crusts, finds an ideal partner in this unique spirit.

Storage and Handling

Proper storage ensures Agimat At Ugat Ube Cream Liquor maintains its quality over time. While unopened bottles can be stored at room temperature up to 24 degrees Celsius, refrigeration is recommended once opened. The cream content makes temperature control important for maintaining freshness and preventing separation.

The 700ml bottle size represents optimal packaging for maintaining quality while providing sufficient quantity for entertaining. The bottle design protects the contents from light exposure, which could potentially affect both color and flavor over extended periods. When properly stored, opened bottles maintain peak quality for several months, though the exceptional taste often ensures consumption well before any quality concerns arise.

Serving temperature significantly impacts the tasting experience. Optimal serving temperature ranges between 4-8 degrees Celsius, cold enough to enhance the creamy texture without numbing the palate. For cocktail applications, pre-chilling all ingredients ensures the final drink maintains proper temperature and dilution balance.

Purchase Considerations

When seeking Agimat At Ugat Ube Cream Liquor, several factors warrant consideration. The growing popularity following international recognition has increased demand, making availability sometimes challenging. Premium liquor stores and specialized retailers focusing on craft spirits typically offer the best selection.

Price positioning reflects the premium quality and limited production. While more expensive than mass-produced cream liqueurs, the unique flavor profile, award-winning quality, and cultural significance justify the investment. Consider it not just a purchase but an exploration of Filipino craft distilling at its finest.

For gift-giving occasions, Agimat At Ugat Ube Cream Liquor presents an ideal choice. The distinctive bottle and unique flavor profile make it memorable, while the award credentials add prestige. It serves as both a conversation starter and a genuine taste experience that recipients will appreciate and remember.