(Drank 05/20/23 SA @ 1:00pm): The local sugar canes were worked over to create these wonderful distilled libations!
A friend and I recently enjoyed a gin and whiskey tasting at Ko'olau Distillery, so we thought let's continue and spend an afternoon tasting rum this time at KōHana Distillers. Rum used to be my favorite liquor when I was younger, so I was excited to try this place. Loosely translated to "work the sugar cane", I've never heard or seen this brand on the mainland let alone anywhere else, but I first came across it while I vacationed with a friend on Maui a couple of years ago. Were my taste buds ready for this much sweeter sugary distilled liquor!?
PURCHASE
4pc Aged Rum Tasting Flight - 1floz ea. ($25.00): Line 'em up! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=iStRAfOzjM6iJ3weQrs6zg
~Koho Aged Taster 45%: Spices, caramel, and buttery. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=w0aGqi4bFGLzgEnVlY_0ew
~Koa Aged Taster 50%: Smoky, orangy, and spicy. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=3J9ouw--bI_q9bmXkkjeTA
~Kila Aged Taster 59%: Strong, oaky, and smooth. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=UgjwYsiYAMRdWJM-M4AP3Q
~Kokoleka Cacao & Honey Aged Taster 30%: Chocolate, honey, and mouthcoating. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=0PqXOXwY_nkXg1R0vsrgOw
4pc Daiquiri Tasting Flight - 1floz ea. ($10.00): More drinks! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=MgTI3Mcy-YOFt5t8MCe8WQ
~Classic Taster 22%: Sweet, subtle, and smooth. Sorry... no picture.
~Pineapple Taster 22%: Sweet, tart, and crisp. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=93iDlF5JGihaPWrtLafT8w
~Lilikoi Taster 22%: Sweet, tropical, and smooth. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=truB7Wjfu6AualcAdz1qbg
~Hemingway Taster 22%: Lightly smoky, sweet, and warm. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=t-ST1EU75yUxJoIeKc18lw
~***BONUS*** Mai Tai Taster 22%: Sweet, tropical, and clean. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=Q3JVLXUDIZpZPGGCTNYZvQ
5pc Cocktails Pack ($62.50): As simple as just adding ice and serve! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=oJ4Kp5q4MKUWHS5T5X6FfA
SERVICE
We were walk-in tasters which didn't seem to be an issue at all. In fact, because it was just the two of us, it was more of an intimate affair with a friendly young man who administered the liquids at the counter. He provided information on each tasting, some history of the place, and casually spoke with us. There was no hard sell, and all was good - mahalo!
PARKING (FREE)
They had their own private parking - 'nuff said!
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
Located inside an above ground bunker or shelter https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=MH4qWb__p4JQqHH-i96Rxw of some sort, it was very spacious with the tasting counters along the right and back walls, respectively, and the rest of the floor area within the middle was used for all sorts of merchandise from chocolates, glassware, and clothing. Although we didn't take the formal distillery tour, we roamed around and found this copper still https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=QiAoTRoiD9ny5aMQmguL8Q outside in the back. Plenty of natural lighting entered through the many windows and front door while various electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were no TVs nor any background music. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=vBGzXB4ON75Zpy6f9RCXjQ
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
I had a wonderful afternoon at KōHana Distillers and would consider returning with people who haven't been here before. Unless they offered something different, I couldn't see a future return by myself. The tasting sizes were nice, the prices were comparable, and the service was chill and laid back. I couldn't say whether or not this was a pet-friendly place. FYI... there was a separate killer BBQ place on the property! I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $102.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS read more