Ocean Vodka on Maui expands its operation to include the production of rum. Courtesy image.

By Maui Now Staff

Tickets are on sale for Deep Island Hawaiian Rum’s “Rum Scrum Cocktail Contest,” hosted by The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas on Saturday, July 25.

Held in the resort’s Pūlehu, an Italian Grill, the contest event starts at 5 p.m. for VIPs and 6 p.m. for the rest of ya and doubles as a benefit the Maui Culinary Academy.

In May, contestants submitted recipes for the “quintessential rum cocktail” featuring Deep Island Hawaiian Rum and the pool was narrowed down to four finalists:

Jacob Caracheo of Kīhei with his Maui-Melon-Jito
James Shoemaker of Pāʻia with his Flower of the Cane
Kaʻai Fong of Kīheiwith his Sokyrka
Gabe Harvey of Kīhei with his Maikaʻi
On July 25, event attendees, along with a panel of judges, will sample and vote for their favorite quintessential rum cocktail.

The winner’s concoction will be displayed on bar menus at The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas, and the winner will receive a three-night stay at the AAA four diamond resort and $500 cash.

“We are thrilled about the Rum Scrum Cocktail Contest submissions and really believe that Hawai‘i’s next quintessential rum cocktail is among these four finalists,” said Shay Smith, CEO of Hawaii Sea Spirits, makers of Deep Island Hawaiian Rum. “We look forward to the event on July 25 and encourage rum lovers to come help us name a winner.”

It’s not just about drinking and passing judgment on rum cocktails.

Following the contest, three local chefs–Lyndon Honda of Laulima Events, Greg Gaspar of Black Rock Kitchen and Robert Barrera of Pineapple Grill–collaborate with student teams from the Maui Culinary Academy in a “culinary rum scrum.” The teams are tasked with designing a distinctive dish featuring Deep Island Hawaiian Rum.

“At The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas, we are committed to not only providing guests with local, fresh food and beverage options, but also supporting our community,” said the resort’s director of food & beverage, Brandon Maeda. “This Rum Scrum Cocktail Contest mixes both of these missions to serve up an experience that will be both fun and meaningful.”

Tickets to the Rum Scrum Cocktail Contest are on sale now for $50. VIP tickets are $65 and allow for early admission to the event.

More the procrastinating type? General admission tickets will be available for $65 at the door.