Mhoba Select Reserve French Cask 65° (65° proof)

PLEASE NOTE: if you require a particular batch, please let us know before placing your order so that we can check what we have in stock.

Mhoba Select Reserve French Cask is a pure South African cane juice rum distilled in pot stills.

For aging, French oak barrels that had previously housed South African red wine were used. These barrels were burnt again before being used for 1 year.

Nico's tasting notes

On the nose, the cane brandy of the early days is alive and well. The power of the distillate, still tinged with solvent, is delightful and vibrant. For the moment, the cane is dominated, inhibited by this almost Jamaican ardor; the rum needs to be allowed to air out a little.

As time goes by, the profile begins to evolve towards a greener register. We imagine an exotic undergrowth, with trees oozing resin. Then we glimpse an extinguished wood fire in the middle of it all, with ashes still warm. The wind blows and drops heavy tropical fruits that burst under the weight of their sugar. In the distance, we finally make out the cane field.

On the palate, after a veil of solvent, the cane immediately displays all its seductive power. Despite its high alcohol content, it caresses the palate with its delicious tenderness. The intensity is overwhelming, as is the concentration, as cane eau-de-vie takes hold of all our senses. It is softly vegetal, candied, richly fruity, mellow and sweetly spicy.

The finish gives way to a slightly dry woodiness and notes of doucelettes (a Creole confection made with coconut milk, condensed milk and cane sugar).

"A unique rum, with the exuberant madnessof high esters and all the flavors of sugarcane juice..."