Spirited Virginia Q3 2022 - 27

sugarcane-based molasses used to make
it) was sourced from the Caribbean. Rum
worked well with the tropical mood and
pleased customers. But rum was-and
is-distilled in other locations, too,
including Hawaii.
Early Polynesian voyagers transported
sugarcane to Hawaii in approximately
600 A.D. " Rum came to Hawaii in the
early 19th century, " writes Richard Foss
in " Rum: A Global History, " " and King
Kamehameha I liked it so much that he
ordered that it be made locally. "
Hawaii's sugar industry began around
the same time. The first sugarcane plantation
was established on the island of
Kaua'i, in the town of Kōloa, in 1835.
That heritage was celebrated in 2009
with the opening of Kōloa Rum Company.
The
distillery bottles a range of rums,
including several available through Virginia
ABC stores: Kaua'i White, Gold,
Dark, Spice, Coconut and ready-to-drink
cocktails.
To make Kōloa rum, the website says:
" Hawaiian cane sugar, pure mountain
rainwater and much Aloha come together
to produce single-batch rums with
remarkably rich flavors and smoothness
that capture the essence of the
Garden Isle. "
As Kentucky whiskey fans know,
water influences the quality of a final
product. Such is the case for Kōloa rum.
The water to make the rum fell as rain
on nearby Mount Wai'ale'ale and other
mountain peaks and rainforests. It
filtered through volcanic strata into
the island's underground aquifers, and,
" When combined with 'tall cane' sugarcane,
Kaua'i water imparts its own
unique taste that perfectly complements
Kōloa Rum. "
The Kōloa philosophy suggests a
template for enjoying the Aloha spirit
and the Polynesian tiki cocktail culture:
" Everything we do is deeply rooted
in our Hawaiian heritage and reflects
our commitment to support and build
our ohana ['family']-by bringing people
together, creating great memories and
sharing the Aloha way of life. "
Understand, Acknowledge,
Appreciate-and Enjoy!
Tropical cocktail recipes. For the
best touch of tropical and tiki style,
be generous with garnishes: orchids,
umbrellas, fruits, swizzle sticks, bamboo
straws-maybe even a backscratcher! Do
a web search for " tiki drink garnishes "
for a slew of DIY ideas or " tiki mugs and
garnishes " for readymade products. And
for the tastiest results, use fresh fruit
juices and other quality ingredients.
Then put up your feet and envision
yourself on a white sand beach under
a gently swaying palm tree!
The Tropical Itch
Another Harry Yee creation. This was served in
a tall hurricane glass, so Yee was said to have
used a back scratcher in place of a swizzle
stick!
▷ 1 OZ. BOURBON
▷ 1 OZ. 151 PROOF BACARDI RUM
▷ ½ OZ. ORANGE CURAÇAO OR COINTREAU
▷ 5 OZ. PASSIONFRUIT JUICE
▷ 1 OZ. DARK RUM
▷ ANGOSTURA BITTERS
▷ PINEAPPLE WEDGE FOR GARNISH
Pour the first four ingredients into a shaker
with ice. Shake well. Strain into a hurricane
glass with ice. Top with dark rum and two
drops of Angostura bitters. Put in a clean
backscratcher and a straw. Garnish. Add a
paper umbrella for another Harry Yee touch.
SPIRITED VIRGINIA | JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2022 27
https://www.titosvodka.com/
Spirited Virginia Q3 2022

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