PUHI — Kaua‘i Dark Rum, produced by the Koloa Rum Company, won two gold medals and Kaua‘i Spice Rum, introduced just recently, was awarded a bronze medal during the recent Rum Renaissance Festival in Miami, Fla.
Kaua‘i Dark Rum, introduced about a year ago, was awarded a Gold Medal as well as a Gold Medal-Best in Class, states a release from Koloa Rum Co.
This makes the second consecutive year Koloa Rum won medals in the “Dark Rum” category, adding the top Gold Medal-Best in Class award, edging out numerous other formidable competitors including Bacardi, Mount Gay and Seven Tiki.
Kaua‘i Spice Rum, introduced just two years ago and featured during the recent Culinary Institute of the Pacific’s Gourmet Spring Gala at Kaua‘i Community College, was awarded a Bronze Medal at the festival.
More than 80 of the finest rums from around the world were presented for evaluation at the Rum Renaissance Festival, an event which has grown to become widely recognized as the largest cane spirits event in the Western Hemisphere and one of the most prestigious in the world, the release states.
More than 3,500 people attended the event where a panel of more than 20 international rum experts converged for three days to conduct blind tastings and rigorous evaluations of rum in nine major categories.
“Of special interest to the attendees are new American rums which have surprised and delighted consumers, professionals and judges,” said Robert Burr, organizer of the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival, in the release. “Once again, our friends at Koloa Rum from Hawai‘i delivered uniquely delicious rums which prove their dedication to quality, sustainability and genuine Hawaiian culture, all of which is greatly appreciated.”
Kaua‘i Dark Rum is used in some of the items being sold at its visitor center located in the Kilohana Estates, said Jeanne Toulon, Koloa Rum director of public relations.
Kaua‘i Dark Rum is used to create the Gourmet Sea Salt produced on Moloka‘i and sold at the gift shop, Toulon said. Additionally, Kaua‘i Dark Rum is used to produce the shop’s rum cake which is available in two sizes, and is the base of the Rum Fudge Sauce, Toulon said.
More recently, Papalani Gelato has used it to create truffles which is also sold at the Kilohana shop.
“From the beginning, our goal has been to produce premium Hawaiian Rum of exceptional quality and great taste amongst the best in the world,” said Bob Gunter, president of Koloa Rum Company. “These awards confirm our unique appeal and are a testament to the creativity and hard work of everyone here at Koloa Rum.”
Visit www.koloarum.com for more information.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
