Kuleana Nanea is an additive-free blend of five aged rums from Kuleana Rum Works in Hawai'i, built around the distillery's own Aged Hawaiian Rum Agricole and bottled at 86 proof (43% ABV).
Nanea is a Hawaiian word that sums up the Hawai'i effect. It means of absorbing interest; fascinating, enjoyable; relaxed, at ease, tranquil, amused, and above all, to have a good time. Kuleana grows, distills and blends its rums with no added sweeteners, flavoring or coloring, and Nanea was named one of Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Spirits of 2025, one of only five rums on the list.
The base is a molasses rum from Guatemala, distilled to 90-94% ABV and aged two years in bourbon barrels, chosen to make the blend round and balanced. For depth, Kuleana adds its own Aged Hawaiian Rum Agricole, made from fresh sugarcane juice, distilled to 60-74% ABV and aged 18 months in Cognac barrels, plus a rich Venezuelan molasses rum aged two to eight years in ex-bourbon barrels.
To widen the range and make it sing, two accent rums go in last: a funky-rich molasses rum from Trinidad aged three to five years, and a mature-oak rum from El Salvador aged five years, both in ex-bourbon barrels.
The result shows light orange peel, caramel, vanilla and bourbon notes, with oloroso sherry, dried mango, baking spices and clover honey. Aromas of cinnamon-sugar toast and marzipan lead into a round, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity body and a warming, complex finish. Sip it neat, or make the distillery's Mai Tai: 2 oz Nanea, 3/4 oz lime, 1/2 oz orgeat, 1/4 oz orange curaçao and two dashes of Angostura, shaken and served over ice with mint.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Caramel, cinnamon-sugar toast, marzipan, vanilla.
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Palate: Orange peel, dried mango, baking spice, honey.
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Finish: Warming; oloroso sherry and clove.
Specifications
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Producer: Kuleana Rum Works, Hawai'i
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Style: Additive-free blend of five aged rums
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Includes: Aged Hawaiian Rum Agricole (18 months, Cognac barrels)
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Other rums: Guatemala, Venezuela, Trinidad, El Salvador
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Proof / ABV: 86 proof (43% ABV)
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat or on a large cube, or shake the house Mai Tai with lime, orgeat and orange curaçao.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Nanea mean?
Fascinating, enjoyable, relaxed; above all, to have a good time.
Is anything added?
No, it is additive-free: no sweeteners, flavoring or coloring.
What is in the blend?
Five aged rums, including Kuleana's own Hawaiian Rum Agricole.
Explore more in our Rum collection.
