‘Embrace Spirit of Marianas with Mariana Breeze’

Avidly promoting locally made spirits on Beach Road, the new management of Mariana Breeze has taken over formerly known Mariana Tropical Liqueurs.

Owner Chang Sun Bang returned to Saipan looking to get into business. Previously, she worked on the island during the economic boom of the garment industry and eventually returned home to Korea. She took over Mariana Tropical Liqueurs early in May.

Chang renamed the business Mariana Breeze to represent the relaxing atmosphere of the island.

To date, there are a total of seven liqueur flavors available from locally grown mango, coffee, ginger, papaya, coconut, soursop, banana and guava all naturally made with no sulfites added.

According to previous owner Mary Asper, the locally made spirits started out as an idea that grew out of a family vacation to Italy. Her Italian family made liqueurs using soft fruit and grappa or a grape seed base.

When her family returned to Saipan they started experimenting by making their own liqueur, using a rum base and infusing various tropical fruits grown on the island by soaking them in the rum for several months. The results were delectable enough that Asper decided to try distilling their own liquor. It was then that she ordered a still, and experimented with fermentation, using several bases. A base using the water from the green coconut and small tropical bananas worked very well, while adding sugar and yeast to ferment for many days until the mash is then distilled, producing a high alcohol content liquor with a slight sweetness. Once the process is completed, fruit is added and the mixture is aged in large glass jars or demijohns for many months.

This results in an alcohol content of about 40 proof or 20 percent, making for a very long shelf life.

Chang says that since the typhoon and storms this year, fresh fruit to make new batches has been a challenge but shares that all flavors are still available.

The flavors, she says, are of fresh island fruits that pair well especially served cold, to any mixed drink cocktail or served over ice cream as a delectable dessert.

Chang illustrated that taking over the business stems from a life-long hobby and passion as a connoisseur and collector of spirits noted by her extensive travel throughout the United States, Canada, and France.

With these experiences, she has added naturally flavored vodkas and soju to their line of products, many of which are packaged with local flair for those looking for unique gifts for the upcoming holidays.

Chang shares that locally made liqueurs follow the seasons and many fruits are purchased through partnerships with farmers or purchased at the Sabalu and Thursday Street Markets.

The liqueurs are currently available for purchase at Joeten Shopping Centers in Susupe and Garapan, Joeten Superstore, DJ’s Corner at the Hyatt Regency Saipan, Grand Vrio Resort Shop, Mama Store, Pacific Island’s Club Boutiki, I Love Saipan Stores, Pacific Gift Shops, Mariana Resort & Spa Souvenir Shop, and iShop at Kanoa and Fiesta Resorts.

If local farmers are interested in partnering with Mariana Breeze, please call 234-5012 or email marusaipan99@hotmail.com.

Interested vendors looking to promote the product are also welcome to visit the office near Kilili Beach to check out the different flavors and packaging selections.