Kapena Hawaiian Chili Infused Tequila
Kapena Hawaiian Chili Infused Tequila is the spicy-margarita upgrade without the muddling — an 80 proof (40% ABV) 750mL reposado tequila infused with real Hawaiian chili peppers, made from 100% Blue Weber agave at Tequila Group Mexico (NOM 1468) in Arandas, in the Los Altos highlands of Jalisco. The brand's own press describes the expression as blending "locally grown Hawaiian chili peppers into rich reposado tequila" — the peppers (called "nioi" by Native Hawaiians), sourced from Maui and Hawaii Island farmers, deliver deep, fruit-forward heat: a quality burn that stays warm rather than going on-fire hot, with the agave still showing underneath. Full 40% ABV — Kapena does not lower the proof for the infusion. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Proof / ABV: 80 proof (40% ABV) — 750mL, reposado base (NOT a lowered-proof infusion)
- Infusion: real Hawaiian chili peppers ("nioi") from Maui and Hawaii Island farmers — fruit-forward warmth, not dare heat
- Distillery: NOM 1468, Tequila Group Mexico, Arandas, Los Altos, Jalisco
- Style: reposado-aged (barrel-aged) 100% agave tequila + natural chili infusion; small-batch
The Spicy Margarita, Solved
Kapena is founder Mike Goto's Hawai'i-meets-Jalisco brand — the same house behind the BTI Gold-winning Silver — and the chili expression is its answer to the spicy-cocktail trend: no muddling jalapeños, no syrups, just reposado tequila with real Hawaiian heat built in. It also works as a chilled shot with fresh pineapple, a paloma, an island-style sour with pineapple and lime, or even a Bloody Mary splash. Explore more tequila and reposado tequila, or see the Kapena range — including the Silver — at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Brand copy (via Kona Wine Market / 88 Spirits sheet): "crisp, complex and spicy flavor"; the peppers deliver deep, rich, fruit-forward heat. Retailer consensus (Chips Liquor, Old Town Tequila reviewers): "quality burn that is not on-fire hot, with the agave still showing underneath"; "great level of heat that lingers on the palate with no aftertaste"; spice is great and the agave still comes through; natural chili flavor, smooth and fruity.
How to Enjoy
The flagship serve is a spicy margarita — the infusion does the work, no muddling needed. Also excellent as a chilled shot with fresh pineapple, in a paloma, or splashed into a Bloody Mary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the base a reposado?
Yes — the brand confirms the expression blends Hawaiian chili peppers into reposado tequila. (This is distinct from the Kapena Li Hing, which has an unaged blanco base.)
How hot is it?
Warm, not punishing — reviewers describe a "quality burn that is not on-fire hot," with fruit-forward chili flavor and the agave showing through.
Is the proof lower than regular tequila?
No — Kapena bottles this at a full 40% ABV, unlike some infused tequilas that drop the proof.
Real Hawaiian heat, real reposado — order Kapena Hawaiian Chili Infused Tequila from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.