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...".
