There have been rumblings about true ‘okolehao becoming available again for the past couple of years, but I don’t think anyone was holding their breath for it to actually come to fruition. Now comes word that it’s getting much closer to being a reality.
‘Okolehao is an old-fashioned, moonshine sort of a liquor, made by Hawaii locals using the root of the ti plant. In recent years, a liqueur labelled “Okolehao” had been available, but it was almost cordial-like, and bore little resemblance to the real deal. There are a few old cocktail recipes that call for ‘okolehao, and some also like sipping it straight — it has a taste a bit like a sweet tequila.
The new production is being done by Sandwich Islands Distilling Company, on Maui. An article nearly three years ago in the Honolulu Advertiser laid out the company’s plans to produce a true ‘okolehao, and today a representative from the company announced on Tiki Central that they are planning to start selling under the “Nine Islands Okolehao” label this summer. No word yet on how we will be able to get our grubby little hands on the stuff.
- okolehao, anyone got a lead,1/5/05- article on new production of the spirit pg 2 [Tiki Central]
- Will new ‘okolehao be your cup of ti? [Honolulu Advertiser]
May 21st, 2006 at 11:21 am
Aloha! Is there any word yet on whether the okolehao will be available this summer? And which stores will stock it? I’d like to reserve a case!
Giovanni Paciello
Kailua-Kona (HI)
August 23rd, 2006 at 11:10 am
ANY UPDATE ON WHEN IT WILL BE ON THE MARKET? I GOT BLANK LOOKS WHEN I CHECKED LAST MONTH ON THE BIG ISLAND NEI.
December 26th, 2006 at 7:09 pm
CAN YOU PLEASE ADVISE IF, AND WHERE, THIS PRODUCT CAN BE PURCHASED. I HAVE A BROTHER WHO SERVED IN THE MARINES, STATIONED IN HAWAII, A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO AND HE WOULD OFTEN TALKS OF THIS FLAVORFUL DRINK.
PLEASE RESPOND TO JABAIR@WALSH.EDU
THANK YOU,
Jill A. Bair
January 22nd, 2007 at 8:12 pm
Every so often I search again and again for what I can only describe as the heavenliest scotch I have ever enjoyed. If ANYONE has information on getting a vintage bottle or when the New verion will hit the market, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!!
dchinigo1@gmail.com
Thank you!!!!!!!
Diego
June 22nd, 2007 at 9:42 pm
What is the relationship between okoliehao,
I remember Hawaii in 1944
May 24th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
I have an unopened bottle of Okolehao. The Tiki bottle is made of lava with a serial no. 2005. The three pieces are still together. Can any one give me any info about it.
November 6th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
i have an unopened bottle with serial no. 9192,3 piece black lava bottle,any info. let me know,mahalo.
December 12th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
I have in hand a bottle of Maui ‘Okolehao made by Haleakala Distillers of Makawao, Maui, HI. Just released Dec 2009 and available in Hawaii, maybe only Maui. Try the wine stores. I wish I knew something about the lava bottles.
December 13th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
The new Maui Okolehao is great. List of stores carrying it at:
http://www.haleakaladistillers.com
A friend of mine who collects bottles looked at my 30- year old “lava rock” ‘Okolehao bottle and said it was just an ordinary ceramic bottle probably made in the Far East. Lava Rock indeed!