Review #: 284
Description: Pau Maui Vodka
Spirit: Vodka
Background: This is a vodka coming from Maui by Halimaile Distilling Company. It is distilled from Pineapples grown on the island (which to my understanding, the growing of pineapples on Maui has dwindled to just about only on-island use). It sounded interesting and like a local thing, so I picked it up a few years ago when I was there for work. It almost sounds like a Pineapple Eau De Vie, though distilled to very high ABV for vodka reasons. Let’s jump in, since it can’t be as bad as my last vodka, right?
Distillery – Halimaile Distilling
Bottler – Halimaile Distilling
Brand – Pau
Selection – N/A
ABV – 40%
Age – Unaged
Nose – Definitely some nail polish remover, but there is a subtle un-ripe pineapple back there, a little bit of ginger both sweet and spicyJuicy orange, a little grassy, coffee grounds, tart fruit, cheese danish
Taste – There is a nice subtle sweetness to it, pretty creamy and oily mouthfeel. More of an orange citrus oil note than anything distinctly pineapple.
Finish – Little hit of sugary sweetness followed by some rubbing alcohol and citrus that play off each other while the heat lingers on the tongue.
Score: 5
Would I buy a bottle? No
Thoughts: My feelings on buying a bottle more reflect my large lack of vodka usage in my life. This is certainly decently, perfectly drinkable, and probably what people who want vodka are looking for. I think the pineapple did have a bit of influence on some of the sweetness and keeping it interesting, but I can’t help but wonder how much pineapple is really used. To me, if the distillate is nearly all pineapple, why not do it more like a brandy style and let more of the pineapple character shine? Distilling it over 95% just makes me think it’s a bit of a waste.