Koko Kanu Coconut Rum review

Charlie Clarke
Jun 26
3 min read

A taste of the Caribbean that no cocktail fan will want to miss out on. This is our review for Koko Kanus Coconut Rum.

Origin : Kingston, Jamaica

ABV : 37.5 %

Flavour : Coconut

Koko Kanu is a premium Jamaican coconut rum liqueur, produced by J. Wray & Nephew Ltd, one of the most iconic rum distilleries in the world. The brand was launched in the early 2000s, but its roots go deeper — crafted at the same distillery responsible for Appleton Estate and Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum, Koko Kanu carries the legacy of over 200 years of Jamaican rum-making expertise.

Its name is inspired by the explorer spirit and tropical freedom, evoking images of white-sand beaches and Caribbean adventure. "Koko" comes from the Jamaican Patois word for coconut, and "Kanu" is a nod to island exploration by canoe.

Unlike some heavily sweetened coconut spirits, Koko Kanu positions itself as a refined and naturally-flavoured liqueur, made to suit both tropical cocktails and simple mixers.

Ingredients & Production

Koko Kanu starts with Jamaican white rum, distilled from molasses and aged in oak barrels before being charcoal-filtered for clarity and smoothness. It’s then infused with natural coconut extract, giving it its signature tropical aroma and taste.

There are no artificial flavours or syrups — the coconut flavour is clean, natural, and aromatic, designed to complement the rum rather than overpower it.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume): 37.5%
Infused with: Natural coconut essence
Base: Jamaican white rum (molasses-based)

What's it like to drink ?

Nose:

Soft, creamy coconut immediately hits you, with subtle undertones of vanilla and a light, grassy rum character in the background. There's a whiff of tropical warmth without being too sweet.

Palate:

Silky smooth with a medium body. The coconut flavour is real — more like fresh coconut flesh or coconut milk rather than synthetic coconut candy. Hints of vanilla and a trace of oak-aged rum complexity give it depth, making it more versatile than your average coconut liqueur.

Finish:

Clean, refreshing, and slightly dry. It leaves a gentle coconut aftertaste without being cloying or syrupy.

Best Served:

Over ice with pineapple juice or cola

As a base in a Piña Colada, Coconut Daiquiri, or Koko Mojito
Mixed with coffee liqueur or dark rum for tropical twists
Neat or with a splash of soda for a simple, light drink

Is it Worth My Money ?

Koko Kanu sits in a mid-range premium category (£17-21), offering more authenticity and strength than Malibu (£13-15), but with a lighter and more elegant profile than Dead Man’s Fingers Coconut (£19-22) or cream-based alternatives. It’s excellent value for its higher ABV, natural flavour, and Jamaican heritage. If you are looking for something a bit more professional than Malibu then it is a solid choice.

Final Thoughts

We rate Koko Kanu highly for its natural smooth flavours and affordability. If you are just getting into bartending/mixiology then it would be a great buy for your spirits cabinet and you will get a lot of use out of it. For casual drinkers it is also a great pick as it isn't overpriced and still mixes well with common mixers like Cola or Pineapple Juice. It carries the Jamaican name and history with Rum proudly with it being used widely around the world in many bars. For any Rum lovers out there, it is a must try.

Rating : 8/10