The tiny Hawaiian island of Kauai is dwelling to Koloa Rum, a small operation with a surprisingly sturdy line of rums, a espresso liqueur, and ready-to-drink cocktails. All 5 rums are constructed from the mash of uncooked cane sugar, double distilled in a copper pot nonetheless, and reduce with filtered water from Mount Waialeale. That mentioned, there’s no growing older or different info on how the white, gold, and darkish rums differ from each other.
Right here’s a take a look at the whole Koloa lineup of (5) rums, (1) liqueur, and (3) premixed cocktail merchandise. Whew!
Replace 2025: We’re consolidating all our Koloa rum opinions right here, for straightforward perusal.
Koloa Kauai White Hawaiian Rum Assessment
Numerous vanilla, chocolate, and coconut notes give this the character of a flavored rum, with sudden espresso notes rising in time. Average sweetness provides manner on the palate to notes of hazelnut and a lingering espresso be aware on the again finish. Very simple to sip on — however in no way what I used to be anticipating from a white rum. 80 proof. B / $27 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Koloa Kauai Gold Hawaiian Rum Assessment
There’s extra fruit on this one, however extra astringency, too, notably on the sharper nostril. All instructed this rum has a extra basic (and youthful) building, with some dusky coconut husk notes and a considerably uncooked, ethanol-heavy character, however on the entire it’s a satisfactory mixer. 80 proof. B- / $27 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Koloa Kauai Darkish Hawaiian Rum Assessment
Heavy on notes of molasses and low, with chocolate overtones. Like several good darkish rum, it’s constructed with lumbering sweetness in thoughts, wealthy and chewy and appropriately dessert-like. That mentioned, it’s comparatively mild on its toes, however brief on complexity. 80 proof. B / $27 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Koloa Kauai Spice Hawaiian Rum Assessment
Sure, it’s “spice,” not “spiced.” Mentioned to be a response to different “oversweetened spiced rums,” however Koloa’s rendition feels amply candy to me, studded with cinnamon, cloves, honey, cola, and tons of vanilla. It comes collectively loads like a Vanilla Coke, or maybe a Vanilla Eating regimen Coke, with evenly synthetic overtones on an in any other case rousing, considerably fiery end. Surprisingly, it’s overproof, not beneath, making it a strong mixer, for certain. 88 proof. B+ / $27 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Koloa Kauai Coconut Hawaiian Rum Assessment
Heavy coconut, as anticipated, right here backed with a contact of banana (notably on the end), and vanilla milkshake notes. Unctuous and rolling on the palate, it’s received ample (however not overblown) sweetness, hints of pineapple, and — as you’d count on (and need) — loads of coconut. Nearly as good as some other coconut rum on the market. 80 proof. A- / $27 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Koloa Kauai Cacao Hawaiian Rum Assessment
This chocolate-flavored rum was macerated for not less than 9 days with Hawaiian-grown cacao from Lydgate Farms. The aroma is very chocolatey with a thick, syrupy nostril of melted chocolate chips, Hershey’s cocoa, and chocolate sauce. It’s actually candy however one way or the other not cloying. On the palate, the rum base and cocoa infusion make for a one-two punch of massive, candy, sticky flavors. High notes of Tootsie Roll and milk chocolate fudge coat the tongue on the outset and are moderated solely barely with notes of cane syrup, toasted coconut, and just a little caramelized pineapple on the midpalate. The end mellows issues additional because the extra candied chocolate notes give approach to lighter cocoa and even just a little espresso bean. Preferrred on ice cream or in your subsequent Espresso Martini. 80 proof. -DB A- / $38 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Koloa Kauai Reserve Hawaiian Rum 3 Years Previous Assessment
Kauai Reserve is constructed from the best Hawaii sugar cane and contemporary island water that was slowly filtered by means of volcanic strata earlier than reaching huge underground aquifers. Kauai Reserve is rigorously aged for no less than three years in choose American white oak barrels and incorporates no added sugar, colour or different elements.” A really candy nostril presents notes of daring coconut, vanilla cream, and orange juice, nearly impossibly sugary at occasions. On the palate, the sweetness kicks off the present, but it surely fades quick sufficient to disclose extra of a toasted coconut character, hints of chocolate and butterscotch, and a ruddy, generally muddy, character that takes over because the end develops. What stays on the palate is a slight chemical aftertaste, an unlucky conclusion to the sooner proceedings. 92 proof. B / $50
Koloa Kauai Single Batch Aged Rum 5 Years Previous Assessment
Just like the three-year expression, the aroma right here is very candy. Notes of coconut-scented tanning oil and marshmallow fluff play second fiddle to an overarching, saccharine citrus be aware that alternates between tangerine and candied pineapple. With time to open, the sweetness moderates considerably, revealing nutmeg and clove-studded orange. The palate is equally candy and syrupy however much less one-dimensional. Early notes of toffee and baking spice assist to steadiness the upper tone fruits which mix a cooked and caramelized pineapple be aware with coconut cream pie and a little bit of Almond Pleasure sweet bar. It’s all just a little overly decadent, and the daring fruit notes nearly really feel synthetic at occasions. Nonetheless, it’s an pleasing rum well-suited to fruity cocktails that will, with just a little extra barrel time, change into a formidable sipper. 92 proof. -DB B+ / $73 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Koloa Hawaiian Kauai Espresso Liqueur Assessment
It is a collaboration with Kauai Espresso Firm, and it’s a sturdy and lightly-sweetened however in any other case fairly pure expression of espresso in classically alcoholic type. The end finds a shock in some barely peppery notes, with nutty and darkish chocolate overtones. The entire affair comes collectively fairly fantastically and with sophistication. 68 proof. A- / $27
Koloa Hawaiian Mai Tai Cocktail Assessment
Gatorade-green in colour, this presents a pungent, overwhelming almond character on the nostril, then segues to a imprecise tropical character with lemon/lime overtones. Considerably bitter on the end, the citrus notes veer towards notes of bitter lime zest. 34 proof. C+ / $15 (1 liter)
Koloa Hawaiian Rum Punch Assessment
Grapefruit and pineapple are heavy right here, with a squeeze of lemon and a contact of vanilla. It’s a reputable punch, however fairly mild on its toes, with a lightweight nuttiness that lingers on the end. Completely sippable, although it’s fairly low in alcohol, making it really feel a bit frivolous. 20 proof. B / $15 (1 liter) [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Koloa Hawaiian Pineapple Ardour Rum Cocktail Assessment
One other easy punch, this one punching up the fruit element with a stronger pineapple and fervour fruit character, giving it a barely floral edge. What you consider once you think about a drink with an umbrella in it, it’s a slurp-’em-down beverage that may offend nobody, although I feel the usual Rum Punch is a bit higher balanced. 20 proof. B / $15 (1 liter)
Koloa Kauai Coconut Hawaiian Rum
USD27
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