Review by: The Auditor

This sample was provided to me by a producer, distributor, or some other industry source free-of-charge. No compensation, outside of the sample, was received and there were no strings attached.

Review #1394; Rum #693

Mhoba is a South African rum distillery that produces rum from Sugarcane harvested from the farm in the hills of the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. Founded in 2013 by Robert Greaves, this is a single estate distillery that grows, crushes, ferments, distills (on a custom built still) and ages the rum all on location from fresh pressed cane juice. I’ve been a big fan of this distillery for a few years now so I am very excited to try this.

The Shaldon is Mhoba’s first original bottling being sold in The United states. Eric Kaye, who imported the first Mhobas to the US under his Holmes Cay brand a few years ago, worked with Mhoba to bring in this unaged high ester cane juice rum to the US market. The Shaldon was harvested from August to November of 2024 and made from two different can varietals. This rum is a blned, where after fermenting for a long time one portion was single distilled and the other portion was double distilled. Bottled at a high proof with no additives.

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Distillery: Mhoba

Bottler: Mhoba

Region: South Africa

Still: Pot

ABV: 63%

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Nose: Incredibly pungent, it fills the entire room with its aroma. Grassy. Beef Bouillon, Apple Cider Vinegar, Charred Bell Pepper, Rain Water, candied lemon peel, Sharpie Marker

Palate:  Thick oily mouthfeel, Brine, Beef Bouillon, Apple Cider Vinegar, Charred Bell Pepper, Minerality, Rain Water, candied lemon peel, Sharpie Marker

Finish:  Long finish, Brine, Beef Bouillon, Charred Pineapple Husk, Apple Cider Vinegar, Charred Bell Pepper, Minerality, Rain Water, candied lemon peel

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This rum is the savory dinner to the fruit forward Savanna. It is very intense. Beef boullion, loads of salt, earthy, Minerality, a clean rain water. But, its so well balanced and incredible to drink. Theres a backbone of those charred bell peppers and brine but with pops of candied lemon peel to bring some sweetness along with a faint vanilla. Its just a perfect expression of unaged high ester cane juice rum.  

Final Score: 100

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
• 50-59: Save it for mixing.