Rum Making Q & A with Brewmaster Keith
HOW LONG IS THE FERMENTATION PROCESS?
The fermentation process can take up to two to three weeks. We use live yeast as we believe slower fermentation yields better quality and flavors.
HOW MANY TIMES IS THE RUM DISTILLED?
The rum is distilled six times for a smoother and cleaner finish.
IS HAMAKUA DISTILLERY RUM MADE FROM SUGARCANE JUICE, CANE SYRUP, OR MOLASSES?
Hamakua Distillery rum is traditionally made from molasses, a byproduct of sugar production.
WHAT IS THE MAJOR DIFFERENCE IN PRODUCING RUM FROM SUGAR CANE JUICE AND MOLASSES?
Chemically, there is little difference between sugar cane juice and blackstrap molasses in producing light rum using a 4-column distillation system. However, alcohol from blackstrap molasses tends to have a deeper, heavier nature under the same conditions.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR SUGAR CANE TO FULLY MATURE?
Sugar cane takes 12 to 13 months to mature before harvest.
HOW LONG IS THE RUM AGED? Our rum is aged for a minimum of one year in barrels. Some of our private reserve rums are aged for five years.
HOW DOES HAMAKUA DISTILLERY AGE ITS RUM?
Hamakua Distillery uses American oak barrels, which are used only once. This ensures a consistent flavor, as reusing oak multiple times can result in a loss of color and flavor.
WHERE IS HAMAKUA DISTILLERY RUM AGED?
All Hamakua Distillery rum is aged in Honoka’a, Hawaii.
HOW MUCH PRODUCT IS LOST TO ANGEL’S SHARE?
In the first year, approximately 6-8% is lost. After that, the loss is between 2.5%-3.5%, depending on various factors.
HOW MANY TIMES ARE THEY USED?
We do not reuse our barrels; they are used once and then done.
HOW ARE THE BARRELS TREATED BEFORE AGING?
The barrels undergo water/steam treatment, are charred, and have their hoops and staves adjusted.
WHAT IS THE ALCOHOL LEVEL WHEN THE RUM IS AGED IN BARRELS?
The alcohol level is 85% by volume during aging, decreasing by 5% ABV after aging.
WHAT TYPE OF FACILITY OR AREA ARE THE BARRELS AGED IN?
Our barrels are aged in our warehouse in Honoka’a.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE WHERE THE RUM IS AGED?
The rum is aged in the tropical weather of Hawaii.
WHAT ARE THE REGULATIONS FOR HAVING AN AGE STATEMENT ON A BOTTLE OF RUM?
According to United States or EU regulations, the youngest rum in the blend defines the age statement on a bottle. However, we do not blend our rum; each batch has its own characteristics. We produce handcrafted, small-batch rum.
WHAT ARE THE AGE RANGES FOR HAMAKUA DISTILLERY RUMS?
Our rums are aged between 1 and 10 years.
WHAT IS THE PRODUCER’S BLENDING PROCESS?
We do not blend our rum.
DOES HAMAKUA DISTILLERY ADD ANY COLORING TO ACHIEVE THE RUM'S COLOR, OR IS IT JUST FROM THE BARREL AGING?
We do not add any additives to our rum, keeping it as natural as our grandfathers made it. Our rum will vary in color as all barrels are not equal.
Handcrafted in Hawaii, this premium rum adheres to strict production standards, ensuring a rum worth pursuing.
