Koloa Kaua'i Spiced Rum
Koloa Kaua'i Spiced Rum — the producer's Kauai Spice Rum — is a 44% ABV (88 proof), 750mL Hawaiian spiced rum distilled, blended and bottled by the Koloa Rum Company in Kalaheo, Kauai. Per Koloa's official product page, it is made from pure cane sugar, twice distilled in a vintage 1,210-gallon steam-powered copper pot still and cut with water filtered from Mount Wai'ale'ale, and the producer positions it as a drier, more adult take on spiced rum. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 44% (88 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: Spiced rum (dry-leaning)
- Base: Pure cane sugar
- Distillation: Twice distilled, vintage 1,210-gallon steam-powered copper pot still
- Water: Filtered rainwater from Mount Wai'ale'ale
- Origin: Koloa Rum Company, Kalaheo, Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai Cane, Copper Pot, Real Spice
Koloa was the first licensed distillery on Kauai, planted in cane country: the town of Koloa hosted Hawaii's first successful commercial sugar plantation in 1835, and the distillery works that heritage with pure cane sugar and Mount Wai'ale'ale rainwater — among the wettest spots on earth feeding the still. The Spice Rum is the range's drier pour, and judges have noticed: the producer's awards page lists Best in Class at the 2022 ShowRum Tasting Competition and Double Gold at the 2023 TAG Spirit Awards for it. Find it in our rum range, browse the wider spirits shelf, or visit the Koloa vendor page.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Light cola, muted cinnamon and cacao over baked baklava, honey and freshly chopped walnut, per the producer. Palate: Dry and crisp — upfront spice matching the nose, deeply cooked caramel through the middle. Finish: A light sarsaparilla close.
How to Enjoy
The producer suggests a rum swizzle or a serve with cola — and at 88 proof with a dry profile, it holds its spice in both. It also makes a grown-up rum and Coke alternative for drinkers who find standard spiced rums too sweet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How strong is Koloa Spice Rum? 44% ABV / 88 proof per the producer — stronger than most Koloa expressions, which are bottled at 40%.
Is it sweet like other spiced rums? Koloa positions it as a drier, more adult alternative to the typically sweetened spiced-rum category, with a dry, crisp palate.
Where is it made? Entirely in Kalaheo, Kauai — distilled, blended and bottled there by the Koloa Rum Company, using pure cane sugar and Mount Wai'ale'ale water.
Dry Hawaiian spice, copper-pot depth — order Koloa Kaua'i Spiced Rum online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
