Kapena Li Hing Infused Tequila
Kapena Li Hing Infused Tequila is the world's first premium li hing-infused tequila — a sweet-tart 80 proof (40% ABV) 750mL infusion that layers Hawaiian-sourced li hing mui (dried plum) into 100% Blue Weber agave blanco from the Los Altos highlands of Jalisco, distilled at NOM 1468. Founded in 2016 by Mike Goto — "kapena" is the adopted Hawaiian word for "captain" — it brings an island pantry classic to agave: brick-oven-cooked agave, champagne-yeast fermentation, double distillation in copper-coil pot stills, then the salty-sweet dried-plum infusion after distillation. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Proof / ABV: 80 proof (40% ABV) — 750mL, li hing mui infusion into unaged 100% agave tequila
- Distillery: NOM 1468 (Grupo Tequilero Mexico), Los Altos, Jalisco, Mexico; imported by Goto Imports LLC
- Production: brick-oven cooked, roller milled, champagne-yeast fermented, double-distilled in copper-coil pot stills
- Infusion: sweet-tart li hing mui (Hawaiian dried plum), sourced in Hawaii, layered post-distillation
- Award: Gold, 2018 Global Spirits Awards (Las Vegas)
A Hawaiian Captain's Take on Agave
Kapena was born from Mike Goto's two homes — roots on Hawaii's Big Island and a love of premium tequila. The li hing mui habit is a Hawaii institution: dried plum powder dusted on shave ice, gummy bears, fruit. Kapena turned it into a tequila trick instead, infusing the salty-sweet dried plum directly into 100% highland agave blanco. The result is equal parts Jalisco and the islands. Explore more tequila or see everything from Kapena at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
The brand's own words: "layers in the sweet-tart dried plum flavor beloved across the islands." Retailer consensus: bright citrus-candy and tropical fruit notes over clean earthy agave, with the signature li hing balance of sweet, sour, and salty, finishing with a whisper of salinity and a subtle umami richness.
How to Enjoy
Chilled and neat, or as the base of a margarita with a twist — a li hing rim instead of salt is the move. The sweet-tart profile also cuts through spicy food beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is li hing mui?
A Hawaiian dried-plum snack with a salty-sweet-tart flavor, made from preserved plums — a beloved island flavor Kapena layers into its tequila after distillation.
Is Kapena Li Hing Infused Tequila a reposado?
No — the Li Hing expression is built on Kapena's unaged 100% agave base; the reposado in the lineup is the separate Hawaiian Chili expression.
What awards has it won?
Gold at the 2018 Global Spirits Awards in Las Vegas, where it was the only infused tequila to medal in the tequila category.
The island flavor you can't get anywhere else — order Kapena Li Hing Infused Tequila from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.