Calabasa African palm spirit launches in UK

UK-based Calabasa will launch its first triple-distilled African spirit made from palm trees in February.

Created by London-born Nigerian Tobi Ojuri and Ghanaian-born Kwabena Asante, Calabasa celebrates West African culture, craftsmanship, and the future of premium goods made in Africa. Palm spirit is known by several names in West Africa, including 'Akpeteshie' in Ghana, 'Ògógóró' and 'Kaikai' in Nigeria, and 'Sobadi' in Togo and Benin. The spirit is made from palm tree sap, fermented into palm wine, and then distilled. According to Calabasa, palm spirit was often mischaracterised as harmful under colonial rule until the late 1950s and 1960s, after West African nations gained independence. Calabasa's palm spirit is triple-distilled to create a modern expression offering floral and slightly grassy aromas of freshly tapped palm sap, with notes of vanilla, green banana, and dark spices on the palate. Ojuri said: "This is about making room for African spirits to stand alongside other iconic regional spirits and giving our audience those distinct, authentic experiences they're craving. We're spearheading an evolution and bringing a fresh voice to the table, and that's going to make the spirits world a lot more exciting." Calabasa Palm Spirit will launch online through the brand's website in the UK and at select London venues in February. Calabasa's inaugural spirit is offered at 40% ABV in 500ml bottles, featuring unique handmade neck adornments crafted by artisans in Accra, Ghana. The bottle will retail for £55 (US$74).