Koloa Rum wins medals of excellence

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, held March 22 to 25, has honored Koloa Rum Co. with medals of excellence.

Koloa Rum entered four rums at the competition. The company won silver medals for its Kaua‘i Spice and Gold rums and bronze medals for its Kaua‘i Dark and White rums.

The World Spirits Competition included 1,215 premium liquors from the U.S and 60 countries from around the world, making it another record-breaking year, a news release states.

The event is also the oldest and largest spirits competition in the United States and the most recognized in the world, it states.

“Rigorous competitions such as this provide the perfect opportunity to see how well our products measure up against many of the top spirits brands from around the world,” said Bob Gunter, president of Koloa Rum, in the release.

“These awards are especially meaningful given that this is the fourth consecutive international spirits competition in which we have medaled. Having independent industry professionals recognize and acknowledge the quality of our products serves to validate not only our production processes and procedures, but most importantly the skill and dedication of our employees and associates, without whom this would not be possible,” Gunter said.

Edible Hawaiian Islands magazine has also recognized Koloa Rum Co., naming it the “Local Hero” winner in the Beverage Artisan category — again.

Koloa Rum Co. produces artisan, single-batch Hawaiian rum at its distillery in Kalaheo, using locally sourced ingredients, according to the company. It operates Hawai‘i’s first and only distilled spirits tasting room and company store on the grounds of Kilohana Plantation in Lihu‘e.

Edible Hawaiian Islands quarterly magazine is published by Gloria and Steve Cohen, the former owners of Islander on the Beach Hotel on Kaua‘i.