Mhoba American Oak Aged is a South African agricultural rum distilled in pot stills and aged in dames-jeannes.
The original aging process consists of letting the rum rest in large glass demijohns into which staves (the wooden planks used to make a barrel) have been placed. These American white oak staves have first been cut and charcoal-burned. After this initial phase, the rum is transferred to casks that have previously contained South African whisky.
Nico's tasting notes
On the nose, it's clear that ageing has totally tamed the distillery's characteristic solvent. The cane juice is clean and straightforward, with an interesting vegetal bitterness. The wood has a beeswax patina, and a few nutty dusty notes emerge to give a glimmer of the cane, which is as thick as a large, ripe, exotic fruit.
Aeration brings wisps of wood-fired smoke, as well as roasted and caramelized notes. Pecan mingles with maple syrup, and a sweetness typical of American oak takes hold.
On the palate, American oak once again delivers its full potential. The palate moves towards an "English-style" of wood, vanilla, coconut and tobacco. The lemon of the cane juice takes on the air of orange peel, and the concentration is delicious.
The finish is a little spicier, especially peppery, with the cane juice comfortably installed.
"An agricultural rum made with bourbon barrels...".
Paul Iverno
Pleasant rum
Stéphane Ti'verre
I have here a bottle of Batch number 2019A07.
On the nose 👃🏻: this is atypical of an agricultural product. At first, it has a solvent side that may be unpleasant for some, a bit like rubber/new tires. But after a few minutes of aeration, it subsides a little and we discover more of the almost burnt smokiness of wood, or even more of a wood wax. A few more minutes and we perceive notes of light caramel, with cinnamon not far away either. Finally, fresh cane subtly appears on the nose too, although it remains in the background.
On the palate 👅: we immediately rediscover the waxed woodiness of the nose, but in a very greedy form, mingled with relatively powerful wood smoke without ever being unpleasant. The wood is almost burnt here too. Mild spices precede the intense caramel and coffee notes that then take over the mouth, like a good pastry.
The finish is rather long without being exceptional. It makes the pleasure last on the slightly roasted woody side and wax, it's consistent from start to finish 👌
Although I'm less of a fan of the nose, but that's a matter of taste, the palate totally made up for my skepticism and I'm finally a real fan 😍 It's an original product and that's exactly what I was looking for when I chose this bottle. You're a bit lost, it's exciting, and then you get a slap in the face ^^ all things considered 😄 Here's another beautiful bottle that I'd recommend without a problem 👍