Samoa Whiskey was launched by the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (S.R.O.S.) at the Taumeasina Island Resort on Friday.

The whiskey is a unique product made out of taro and the first of its kind to be produced in Samoa and around the world. 

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi praised the product and its name because it will also promote Samoa around the world. 

Tuilaepa said it will provide great opportunities for taro farmers and producers alike for a market for their products.

He urged entrepreneurs to have guts to take up what S.R.O.S. has discovered and start producing so it could make local taro producers happy.

 “S.R.O.S, which is tasked with the mission of conducting scientific research and developing technologies in the sustainable development of value added goods and services for export, has developed a world’s first, pure and unique exotic liquor made from Samoan taro root,” Chief Executive Officer of S.R.O.S., Dr. Seuseu Tauati said.

“Taro was selected as the main ingredient for the production of the whiskey because of its abundance in Samoa and the spin off effects it would create for our Samoan farmers."

“The product has been formulated and tested using the advanced testing instruments and facilities at S.R.O.S. The chemical and physical analysis confirmed the quality of the product. A new production facility had to set-up to sustain a steady flow production line to house activities such as taro cleaning, fermentation, distilling and aging,” Dr. Seuseu said. 

Samoa Whiskey is the pioneer of the unique family of liquors to be released commercially by S.R.O.S. 

The uniqueness of Samoa Whiskey originates in its Samoan Polynesian heritage, the naturally pure tropical environment, artisanal single – still pot batch distillation, its special oak aging process, carbon filtering and of course: being the world’s only pure taro whiskey.

 The integrity of Samoa whiskey is protected in its exclusive environment where impurities and dilution with alcohol derived from other sources is not tolerated. Small volumes of Samoa Whiskey are proudly made by a committed team of enthusiasts at S.R.O.S., base at Nafanua on the slopes of Mount Vaea, on Cross-Island road, Upolu. 

Samoa Whiskey will be made available at Le Well, Taula Beverages on Saturday October 27, 2018.