New Article: Okolehao Then and Now
Aloha, kakou!
Today I’m really pleased to share with you my latest article, which is about something near and dear to me: okolehao. What is okolehao? Okolehao is Hawaii’s traditional folk liquor made from the roots of the ti plant. Okolehao was widely available through the 1980’s, but then it fell out of favor. In the 1990’s, you couldn’t find any, but today with two new sources on the market, okolehao is enjoying a bit of a renaissance on the islands. Read the article here and find out what’s so special about this Hawaiian original.
A hui hou,
Josh
What’s the Best Coconut Rum?
Ask some folks which is their favorite coconut rum, and the answer might be “none”. But for those of us who enjoy coconut rum in tropical drinks from time to time, it’s a fun ingredient that can help us recall good times on the beach or just break things up when we get into a rut with other spirits.
With so many different brands of coconut rum on the market today, I decided to evaluate each one I could get my hands on and see how they stacked up. So join me for a blind taste test of thirteen different coconut rums and find out which one scored top honors in the Coconut Rum Challenge. After that, I’ll share three coconut rum drink recipes that are like taking a vacation in a glass. Full Story Here
New Rum Review: Kirk and Sweeney 12
Aloha, folks!
Today I’m back with another Dominican rum review. This one comes to you via Sonoma, California, from the folks at 35 Maple Street. Named after a Prohibition-era rum running schooner captured off the coast of New York, this 12-year comes in a unique package evocative of days gone by. How’s it taste? Take a virtual taste here.
Cheers,
Josh
New Rum Review: Plantation Jamaica 2000
Aloha folks,
Today I’m back with a review of another fine Plantation rum. This one is a Jamaican expression distilled in 2000. When I was first getting into rum, I didn’t immediately gravitate to funky rums, but I have come to love them, and this one is a real beauty! Take a virtual taste here.
Okole maluna!
Josh
Who Wants a Yarai Mixing Glass?
Aloha, kakou!
Mahalo for visiting the blog–traffic is way up lately, and I want to take a moment say that I truly value your readership.
As much as I enjoy reviewing rums and such, it’s your comments, likes, favorites, and retweets that keep my literary fire burning–driving me to learn, grow, and share more. Today I announced over on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook my first reader giveaway, and it’s a pretty special one: a beautiful cut crystal Yarai Mixing glass from Umami Mart.
I received my first Yarai mixing glass as a Christmas gift last year, and it instantly became the most beautiful piece of equipment in the bar. Heavy duty construction, wide enough to easily stir classic cocktails, Japanese-made and downright sexy, no serious bartender should be without one.
That said, they run about $40, so it’s not something everyone is willing to purchase for themselves, which makes it a great gift. And while I wish I was rich enough to give one to all of you, I can only swing one for now.
I’ll pick the lucky reader from among the people who “like” Inu A Kena on Facebook, so all you have to do to be in the running is be one of those people (there’s a “like” button toward the top right of each page here) . I’ll announce the winner here and elsewhere on April 2, and ship it out to you on April 3.
Wishing you pōmaikaʻi (good luck)!
-Josh
New Rum Review: Caña Brava
Aloha, kakou!
Let’s take a break from aged sipping rums today and check out an exciting new light rum from The 86 Company called Caña Brava. This one comes from Panama, but it’s shipped at high proof to the good folks just north of me at Charbay for proofing and bottling. Caña Brava is a rum that is designed to shine in classic cocktails like the Daiquiri, Mojito and El Presidente. Read on and see how it tastes!
Cheers,
Josh
New Rum Review: Ron Barcelo Imperial
Aloha kakou!
Today I’m back with a review of another rum from the Dominican Republic: Barcelo Imperial. You may remember from our light rum challenge that I did not enjoy Barcelo’s white rum, but given the good things I’d heard about this product, I decided to give it a shot. It turned out to be a good rum with a very unique flavor profile. Read on for a virtual taste!
Huli pau,
Josh
New Rum Review: Mount Gay Black Barrel
Aloha folks!
Today I have a review of a new and innovative rum from Mount Gay called Black Barrel. Rather than hang their hat on an age statement or a color, this one gets its raison d’être from heavily charred Bourbon barrels. Will this be as successful for Mount Gay as Jim Beam’s Devil’s Cut? Only time will tell, but for a virtual taste, read the review here.
Cheers,
Josh
New Rum Review: Botran 1893
Aloha folks,
Today I’m back with another review of a Guatemalan rum. Botran 1893 is a solera rum aged high in the mountains much like Ron Zacapa. Could it be as good?
Cheers,
Josh
New Rum Review: Matusalem 15 Gran Reserva
Aloha kakou!
Today I’m back with another aged rum from the Dominican Republic, Ron Matusalem Gran Reserva 15-year. This solera-blended rum exceeded my expectations and had some unique qualities I think most would enjoy. Read the review here and get familiar.
Huli pau,
Josh
Inu A Kena 