KALAHEO — Koloa Rum Co. announced Thursday a significant expansion of its brand distribution throughout California and four Western Provinces of Canada.
“Our agreements with Western States Beverages and Marram Wines provide us with an excellent opportunity to enter these two very important markets,” Bob Gunter, president of Koloa Rum, said in a statement. “Their focus on emerging boutique spirits brands, enthusiasm for our products and aggressive approach to targeted sales and distribution match our growth strategies precisely.”
Western States Beverages will launch the Koloa Rum brand throughout California during April.
Koloa Rum produces artisanal, single-batch Hawaiian rum at its distillery in Kalaheo and operates Hawaii’s first and only distilled spirits tasting room and company store on the grounds of Kilohana Plantation.
The company’s multiple portfolio of rums include white, gold and dark rums, which will soon be complemented by the addition of Kaua‘i spice rum, Koloa Ready-to-Drink Mai Tai and related cocktails.
Koloa Rum began bottling spirits in 2009, using a base ingredient of molasses supplied by the Gay & Robinson sugar plantation, which ceased operations in late 2009.
Jeanne Toulon, director of public relations for Koloa Rum, said the company had purchased a large supply of Gay & Robinson sugar and it still has a large supply left. Eventually, of course, it will run out.
“We are experimenting on making rum from cane juice,” Toulon said. “We’re also looking at having local farmers make the cane juice for us.”
Koloa Rum’s factory has the capacity to produce 60,000 cases per year of spirits and non-alcoholic mai tai products.
“It’s all kind of falling into place for us, and we’re very excited,” Toulon said, adding that six months after the company began bottling rum it won several awards, including international blind tastings.
With the expanded distribution to Canada and the mainland, Toulon said, “We’re putting Kaua‘i on the map in our own special way.”
