Kuleana Rum Works Nanea
Kuleana Rum Works Nanea is a blend of five aged rums from five countries, married in Kohala, Hawai'i — Guatemalan, Hawaiian, Venezuelan, Trinidadian, and Salvadoran rums aged 18 months to 8 years in ex-bourbon and ex-cognac barrels, bottled at 43% ABV in a 750mL bottle. "Nanea" means relaxed, at ease — and the rum follows: orange peel, caramel, oloroso sherry, and dried mango, 100% additive-free. 95 points, Wine Enthusiast. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 43% (86 proof) — brand-official; confirm against bottle
- Size: 750mL
- Style: blend of five aged rums — Guatemala, Hawai'i, Venezuela, Trinidad, El Salvador
- Origin: blended in Kohala, Hawai'i — Kuleana Rum Works (founded 2013)
- Awards: 95 pts Wine Enthusiast; 94 pts Tasting Panel Magazine; 100% additive-free
Five Rums, One Hawaiian Blend
Most "Hawaiian rum" is a single distillate; Nanea is a blender's composition. The base is Guatemalan molasses rum aged 2 years in ex-bourbon; the body is Kuleana's own aged Hawaiian rum agricole — fresh sugarcane juice, 18 months in ex-cognac — plus Venezuelan rum aged 2 to 8 years in ex-bourbon; the accents are a funky-rich Trinidad rum (3-5 years) and a mature-oak El Salvador rum (5 years). Everything is additive-free, and the blend earned 95 points from Wine Enthusiast and 94 from Tasting Panel Magazine.
Tasting Notes
Official brand notes: light orange peel, caramel, vanilla, bourbon, oloroso sherry, dried mango, baking spices, clover honey. The Beverage Tasting Institute found "caramel, cinnamon-sugar toast, marzipan, vanilla... warming, complex, medium-long oloroso sherry, peppered cured meats, dried mango, clove finish."
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a large cube — this is a contemplative aged rum blend. It also elevates a mai tai or a rum old fashioned, where the sherry and baking-spice notes come forward. Pair with dark chocolate or grilled pineapple.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Nanea" mean?
"Relaxed, at ease, tranquility — to have a good time" in Hawaiian.
Is Kuleana Nanea a single rum?
No — it is a blend of five aged rums from Guatemala, Hawai'i, Venezuela, Trinidad, and El Salvador, married in Kohala, Hawai'i.
What is the ABV of Kuleana Nanea?
43% ABV per the brand; one retailer lists 40%, so the bottle settles it.
Is Nanea additive-free?
Yes — 100% additive-free, no added sugar, color, or flavoring.
For more from this Kohala distillery, browse Kuleana, and for the category see our rum selection. Get Kuleana Nanea delivered from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA — order online today.