Exclusive Interview with Lynn Calvo, CEO for Hula Hut Spirits

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Q: What is your full name, title, company name and company location?

Lynn Calvo, CEO for Hula Hut Spirits

Founded in Montauk,N.Y.

Produced in Florida

Q: Prior to starting Hula Hut Spirits you published a cocktail book (“Tiki with a twist”) and were also running an actual Tiki Bar (“Lynns Hula Hut”), correct?  How did you get started with the bar and what inspired you to write a book?

Yes that is correct. The bar started as a mobile tiki bar. It was adorned with a thatched Palapa on top of a long bed Chevy. We had a mahogany bar top and on the doors were the verbiage “Hula Hut… have Tiki will travel”. I did events all over Montauk and the Hamptons which finally led to me to leasing a space on a marina In Montauk. I converted an old office trailer, covered it in bamboo, and surrounded it with white sand and palms.  After 2 1/2 arduous years of permitting, Lynn’s Hula Hut was finally open.  People come from all over to indulge in our very unique tiki cocktails and live music.

After a couple of years I was approached to collaborate on a cocktail book with James Fraioli. Tiki with a Twist was published by Sterling Epicure.  It contains 75 unique tropical cocktails and stories of my travels.

Q: What made you decide to add your own line of spirits, hence the birth of Hula Hut Spirits? Honestly all I heard for years from my customers were, you need to bottle those infusions.

You see, at Lynn Hula Hut we have several infusions made with all natural ingredients. I decided to go with my top three selling infusions. I wanted to create a fresh modern and unique twist on Tiki without all the sugar. Clean spirits. It’s how I try to eat and drink. Clean.

Q: Where did you gain your knowledge about the spirits industry in general and about (Tiki) cocktails in particular?

I spent all my summers in Montauk which is a seasonal town. I became a bartender at a very early age. I love people and mixing cocktails. The winters in Montauk are brutal so I started traveling to warmer climates. I had a wanderlust and fell in love with places like the Caribbean, Mexico and the Pacific rim region of the world. Especially Polynesia.

I learned how to be what you might call a “bar chef“ from my Italian & Spanish family. My mom and my grandmother who were exceptional chefs, inspired me to be creative. My grandfather made his own wine and grappa. My grandmother grew her own vegetables and fruits. They were infusing grappa way back. Infusing is nothing new to me, it’s second nature. Infusing spirits just became kind of cool in the last decade.

Q: You were just getting ready to launch your spirits when COVID-19 hit in 2020.  What were some of the challenges you faced during the pandemic? How have you overcome these challenges?

That is correct. I launched Hula Hut spirits approximately six months before Covid entered the picture. Things were really looking up as I was in about 80 accounts in New York. Most of those accounts were on premise meaning restaurants, bars, etc…

When everyone was shut down our growth pretty much halted. I was told by one of my advisors that I had a great authentic brand and that I should just take a deep breath that this too shall pass.

We are now in distribution with Southern Glaser Wine and Spirits in the Sapphire Division in New York and soon Florida. I’m also excited to announce that we are shipping direct to consumer in 30 states.This has definitely helped us during this very difficult time.

Q: Which products do you currently make.  Which is your favorite and why?

Hula Hut spirits has three products in our portfolio.

“Hula Juice” Spiced Coconut Rum is made from Florida cane and infused with several trade secret all natural ingredients. It’s 80 proof and extremely smooth and delicious.

There are two vodkas as well. Both are made from American corn and infused with all natural essences .They are six times distilled and eight times charcoal filtered to produce a beautifully balanced and smooth spirit.

“Le Tahitian” Vanilla with a hint of pineapple on the back end.

“Le Hukilau“ Lemongrass and Ginger Blend. This is my personal favorite as it takes me back to Thailand!

Q: Most people associate Tiki cocktails with Rum, but two of your products are made with Vodka, can you explain why you made that decision?

Yes, you are right most people think of Tiki drinks as only being made with rum. Not everyone drinks rum. I wanted to give people a taste of the tropics with vodka. Beside that ginger, lemon grass, vanilla bean and pineapple are all indigenous to the tropics.

All three of these spirits were the top selling infusions at Lynn Hula Hut. It was hard to choose just one as they are all my babies and I’m a proud momma!

Q: Where are your products available?

We are in distribution with Southern Glazier Wine and Spirits in the Sapphire Division in New York and soon to be in Florida. For now you can order online as we ship direct to consumer and 30 states.The link is on our website: www.hulahutspirits.com

Also please like and follow us on Instagram and Facebook, this way you can watch us grow.

Q: Do you have plans to add new rum-based products to your portfolio?

Yes there are definitely rum-based brand extensions in the future.

Q: Do you plan on writing any more books?

Yes, I will absolutely write another book.

Q: If people want to contact you, how may they reach you? 

People can reach out to us via our website or on Instagram. 

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Please like, follow and share Hula Hut Spirits with your friends and watch how we grow.  It takes a village …please join our tribe.  Thank you for supporting us!

Margaret: Again Lynn, thank you so much for this opportunity and I wish you and your team all the best.