Koloa Kaua'i Coconut Hawaiian Rum is a delightful and vibrant flavored rum from the Koloa Rum Company, situated in Kalaheo, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi. This expression captures the essence of the Hawaiian Islands, blending their pure, raw cane sugar rum with natural coconut flavors to create an authentic tropical escape in a bottle.
Key Characteristics:
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Hawaiian Cane Sugar & Mountain Rainwater Base: The foundation of Koloa Kaua'i Coconut Rum is their flagship rum, distilled from the mash of pure, raw Hawaiian cane sugar (not molasses) and diluted with pristine, filtered water from the ancient Mount Waiʻaleʻale. This ensures a clean, naturally sweet, and vibrant base spirit.
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Copper Pot Still Distillation: The base rum is slow-fermented and twice-distilled in a vintage 1,210-gallon, steam-powered copper pot still. This traditional method maximizes flavor and purity, allowing only the finest "heart" of the distillate to be collected.
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Natural Coconut Flavor: After distillation, the rum is carefully infused with natural coconut essence. Koloa Rum Company prides itself on using genuine ingredients to achieve an authentic and balanced coconut flavor, avoiding artificial or overly sweet profiles often found in other coconut rums.
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Small-Batch Production: Adhering to their commitment to quality, Koloa Rum Company produces this rum in small batches, ensuring meticulous control over every step of the process.
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Proof: Bottled at 80 Proof (40% ABV), making it smooth and enjoyable for sipping, and powerful enough to hold its own in cocktails.
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Inspired by Paradise: The rum is designed to evoke the lush tropical environment of Kauaʻi, offering a taste of the island's natural beauty and abundance.
Tasting Notes:
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Appearance: Crystal clear, vibrant, and inviting.
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Nose: Immediately met with an aromatic and refreshing bouquet of sweet, fresh coconut. Hints of creamy vanilla, white chocolate, and subtle tropical fruit (like pineapple or banana) may also emerge, creating an enticing island aroma.
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Palate: Smooth, velvety, and wonderfully balanced between natural sweetness and authentic coconut flavor. The taste of real, toasted coconut is prominent, not artificial. This is complemented by notes of creamy vanilla, sweet cane sugar, and a subtle hint of white chocolate or macadamia nut. It avoids being cloyingly sweet, instead offering a clean and natural coconut experience.
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Finish: Clean, crisp, and pleasantly lingering. The finish carries a delightful warmth with persistent notes of sweet coconut and a whisper of vanilla, leaving a fresh and tropical aftertaste.
Awards & Recognition:
Koloa Kaua'i Coconut Hawaiian Rum has received numerous awards, recognizing its exceptional quality and authentic flavor profile:
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Double Gold Medal — 2019 & 2015 Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America Competition
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Gold Medal — 2018 World Spirits Awards, Austria
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Gold Medal — 2016 Miami Rum Renaissance Festival
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Silver Medal – 2023 The Spirits Business Rum Masters
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Silver Medal – 2023 TAG Spirit Awards
Overall Impression:
Koloa Kaua'i Coconut Hawaiian Rum is a standout among flavored rums, offering a genuinely authentic and high-quality coconut experience. Its foundation of pure Hawaiian cane sugar rum, combined with natural coconut essence, creates a spirit that is both versatile and delicious. It's an ideal choice for crafting elevated tropical cocktails like piña coladas, mojitos, or daiquiris, and it's also smooth enough to be enjoyed neat or on the rocks for a taste of paradise. Its impressive array of awards further solidifies its position as a top-tier flavored rum.