092: Interview with Kō Hana Distillers

In this episode of Distilling the West, Dan and Dave head to the islands—virtually—where they sit down with Tiffany Tubon and Nick Sadowski of Kō Hana Rum, crafting exceptional agricole-style rum in Kunia, Hawaii.

Kō Hana is redefining American rum by starting at the source—growing and harvesting their own sugarcane, then pressing it fresh to create a spirit that truly reflects the land. Tiffany and Nick share the story behind their farm-to-bottle approach, the challenges of cultivating heirloom cane varieties in Hawaii, and what sets their rum apart from traditional molasses-based styles.

Along the way, Dan and Dave taste through three of Kō Hana’s standout expressions:

• Kea – a vibrant, unaged rum that captures the pure essence of fresh cane juice

• Koa – aged in native koa wood barrels, bringing a uniquely Hawaiian character to the spirit

• Kokoleka – a rich, indulgent infusion of cacao and honey that blurs the line between rum and dessert

From terroir-driven production to innovative aging techniques, this episode dives deep into what makes Kō Hana Rum one of the most exciting craft distilleries in the country.