MHOBA Select Reserve Glass Cask Rum 2019

Mhoba is a small South African distillery making rum from fresh pressed cane juice in an agricole style, though it cannot use the word outside the French appellations. This Select Reserve is a single cask from the 2019 vintage, a pot still rum aged a couple of years in ex bourbon wood and bottled unsweetened at a forceful 60%.

The pot still gives it weight and funk, the nose showing clear esters, fruit and overripe notes over oak, the palate intense and spicy with ester driven fruit, the finish long and warm with roasted notes, banana and burnt sugar. The young ex bourbon ageing layers strong oak and roasted nuts over the funky distillate, the alcohol well carried for the strength. Bold and intense rather than subtle, it suits experienced drinkers who enjoy high ester rum and want Mhoba's power with a clear barrel influence.