Description
This Kōloa comes from the Kalaheo Distillery on Kaua’i, Hawaii. Kōloa Rum Company distills it from pure cane sugar. It then ages for at least five years in charred American white oak barrels.
This is the cask strength version of the Kaua’i Reserve. It goes into the bottle straight from the barrel, with no water added. The strength changes from barrel to barrel, from about 110 to 124 proof. Check the label for the exact proof of your bottle.
The nose is fragrant, with cinnamon, orange, roasted almond and charred oak. On the palate, the cane gives a gentle sweetness. Toasted vanilla, orange zest, brown butter and honey follow. Those flavors carry into a long, warm finish.
Judges have noticed. The cask strength single-barrel version won Best in Show and Platinum, with 95 points, at the 2024 TAG Global Spirits Awards.
Sip it neat first, then add a few drops of water to open it up. A large ice cube works well too. Try it with smoked pork, grilled pineapple or bread pudding. You get a bold taste of Hawaii in every glass.
