Review by: The Auditor
Review #1406; Rum #705
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.
This is a rum bottled by American Independent bottler Holmes Cay, one of the premier American rum independent bottlers. This rum comes from the Mhoba distillery and was made from fresh pressed cane juice from cane grown on the estate of the distillery. It fermented wildy, was distilled in a pot still (Mhoba’s own design), then aged for 6 years at the distillery in Peated South African Whisky Casks before being bottled with no additives.
Distillery: Mhoba
Bottler: Holmes Cay
Region: South Africa
Still: Pot
ABV: 59%
Nose: Brine, Charred Bell Pepper, Black Pepper, Apple Cider Vinegar, Candied Lemon
Palate: Medium mouthfeel, Charred Bell Pepper, Black Pepper, Apple Cider Vinegar, Bitter, Acrid
Finish: Medium length finish, Acrid, Bitter, Peppery, Candied Lemon, Charred Bell Pepper
Peat and rum do not go together. Sorry Mhoba and crew, but this one just doesn’t work for me. I loved peated whisky, I can drink Laphroaig all day and love it. But this one just really misses the mark for me. It starts off nice but that bitter acrid note just grows as I sip on this.
Final Score: 72
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.
Malt Runners 