It was about eight years ago when I was first introduced to rice wine. I was at a friend’s birthday when I was approached by a family member with a cap full of liquor. I figured a cap full would be the easiest thing I would drink that day, but boy was I wrong. The burn began in my mouth, through my esophagus, & down to my belly. It felt like by drinking it, I had completed some sort of initiation.

Since then I’ve had different variations of rice wine and wondered why no one has thought to mass produce it. Well someone finally did. Rinna Her and his brother conceived the idea of opening up a distillery of their own and brought in their sister Nancy to make it happen. Thus, Hawj Brother’s Distillery was born.

Hawj Brother’s Distillery is located in Yuba City, California, which is about four hours north of Fresno. The company was incorporated in February of 2008, and is coming up on its two year anniversary. Their company website explains that the strength of their product is in the uniqueness of the Asian influence spirits. They currently specialize in Baiju and Soju, but also make vodka and have plans to release a style of Bourbon in the future.

Rinna, of Hawj Brother’s Distillery and I got together recently to talk about the creation of the company as well as their products.

Ryan: I’m here with one of the founders of Hawj Brother’s Distillery, Rinna Her. Rinna, thanks for taking the time out of your schedule to participate in this interview. With the New Year upon us, I’m sure this is a busy time of year for you.

Rinna: Thanks Ryan, I want to thank you guys for promoting our culture and ideas.

Ryan:    For those who’ve never heard of Hawj Brother’s Distillery, can you tell our readers where it’s located and how long you’ve been in business.

Rinna: HBD is located in Yuba City, CA. The business started as an idea in November 2007.  From there we incorporated, got a building and began applying for all of our permits.  You can say we’ve been at it for two years now.

Ryan: From what I’ve read, you and your brother Kenny first started the idea and brought in your sister Nancy later on. How did you and your brother come up with the idea of this business?

Rinna: The idea was mine long before November 2007, but I didn’t act on it because I knew I couldn’t do it on my own.  My brother always wanted to do a business, so one day I let him in on my idea.  He loved it and we started from there.

Ryan:    How long did it take you guys to turn your idea into a reality?

Rinna: In this type of business, you have to have everything basically ready to go before you can even apply for a permit. It’s weird because it’s really backwards.  So, you’ve got all kinds of investments in the business and you don’t even know if the Feds are going to approve your permit.  Then you have to get permits from the State.  From start to final permits, it took us about a year and a half.

Ryan: What types of alcohol products do you produce? Names?

Rinna: We will produce Baijiu (Chinese for ‘white liquor’) which is our Hmong Rice Liquor commonly known in the community as ‘Rice Wine.’  We will also make Soju, Vodka and later on Bourbon and other Whiskies.

Ryan: Do you have plans to add additional products in the future?

Rinna: Maybe special limited run or seasonal products like Peach Vodka, Plum Vodka, Original Baijiu (high proof) and varieties of whiskies.

Ryan: Did you have a personal recipe or flavor in mind when you guys decided to pursue this business?

Rinna: No, we just wanted to introduce Baijiu to the United States because there’s nothing like it here.

Ryan: How long is the process to make your products?

Rinna: It takes a little over a month to produce Baijiu.  Then we have to let it rest another month before bottling.

Ryan: How would you describe your products? The taste and such.

Rinna: I would say that it’s in between a Vodka and a Tequila—subtly sweet and smooth.  For the Hmong readers, it’s like at home without the burn all the way down to your stomach.  Some of you know of what I speak.

Ryan: I’ve definitely been there, don that. So, how has the public responded to your products?

Rinna: Right now I only have our Baijiu out.  I’m still working on getting the labels approved for the Soju and the Vodka.  So far I’ve gotten a pretty good response from people from all walks of life.  However, I have found that Baijiu is not for some women.

Ryan: I know you are based in California. Can people purchase your products elsewhere? If so, where and how?

Rinna: As of right now, no.  I’m trying to get it Online with stores such as Mondo Liquor and others.  It would be easier for me to do if people start asking for it, forcing the online stores as well as brick and mortar stores to seek me out.  As for now, I have stores in Oroville, Linda, Olivehurst, Yuba City, Sutter, Robbins and Sacramento.  Merced and Fresno are soon to come.

Ryan: What should people expect from Hawj Brothers in the near future?

Rinna: It’s a secret you will have to wait for.  Just expect big things J.

Ryan: Rinna, I want to thank you once again for doing this with us. Do you have any last words for our readers?

Rinna: I want to thank everyone who has supported us this far.  There’s a long road yet to come, so keep supporting and spreading the word.  Follow us on Myspace and Facebook for future events and updates on where to find our products.  Thanks for having me Ryan.

I recently watched the movie “Gran Torino” and there are a couple of scenes in which the make character Walt samples rice wine. I was asked by people who know me what its like. I told them it wasn’t for the weak at heart. So, as someone who has been burned by the taste of rice wine before, I do welcome a milder and better tasting rice wine product that Hawj Brothers seems to be offering. Hopefully it will make its way to liquor stores in the Minnesota area sometime soon.

With that being said, if you want to try this product, they need your support. Request that local liquor stores start stocking their shelves with the Hawj Brother’s Products. Don’t stop there though. Mention to local club and bar owners that they also need to start providing this product and help support the hard work Hawj Brother’s Distillery has put in to produce their products.

I want to thank Rinna Her of Hawj Brother’s Distillery for taking the time to take part in this interview with Hmoodle. I want to wish them the best of luck and hope they have continued success with their company.

If you want your company or product featured on Hmoodle, then please contact me at RyanM@hmoodle.com (Ryan Madland)