MHOBA Strand 101 2019

Mhoba is a small South African distillery making rum from fresh pressed cane juice in an agricole style, though outside the French appellations it cannot use the word. This Strand 101 is a single cask from the 2019 vintage, bottled unsweetened at a forceful 58%, and it leans hard into the distillery's high ester, pot still character.

The funk arrives first, the nose all esters, nail polish and fermented fruit, the palate bringing tropical fruit, burnt agave, caramel and chocolate over a creamy texture, the finish dry, musty and woody. The pot still and long ferment push the ester driven aromas into glue and varnish territory, settling toward caramel and cocoa with time in the glass. This is firmly one for experienced drinkers who love Hampden style funk and want a wild, distinctive rum with strong personality.