Mhoba Sugar Estate Pure Single Rum 2017 – Limited Edition from sugarcane juice

Mhoba Sugar Estate Pure Single Rum 2017 is an uncompromising, terroir-driven rum for the discerning enthusiast seeking authenticity, power and true craftsmanship. This exclusive limited edition is the first bottling created in collaboration between Luca Gargano of Velier and Mhoba Sugar Estate – a milestone for quality South African rum.

The raw material is freshly pressed sugar cane juice from Nkomazi, grown on Mhoba’s own fields in the heart of the sugar cane region in the Crocodile River Valley in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Here, the entire process is controlled from field to bottle. Distillation is carried out by Robert Greaves on his own hand-built high reflux pot stills, resulting in a distinctive, structured and aromatic style. After distillation, the rum is aged in French oak barrels that previously held red wine – a detail that adds depth, fruity nuances and an elegant tannic structure.

At 64.3% alcohol, this is a powerful cask strength rum without compromise. It delivers intensity, complexity and a distinct terroir character – a bottle for collectors and connoisseurs who want something unique in their bar cabinet.

Production and character

Unlike the distillery’s more common Single Blended expression (column + pot still), this edition is a pure Single Rum, distilled 100% on pot still. This results in a more concentrated, deep and texturally rich style where the natural flavors of the sugar cane juice stand out. The combination of pot still and red wine barrels creates a complex balance of freshness, spice and vinous richness.

Tasting notes

Aroma: Intense and aromatic with fresh sugar cane, green herbs, red berries, spices, pepper and a light vinous touch.

Taste: Powerful and full-bodied with a pronounced sugar cane profile, dark fruit, red wine barrel tannins, licorice, black pepper and mineral undertones.

Finish: Long, dry and spicy with persistent fruit, warmth and textured oak.

The history of the house

Mhoba Sugar Estate is a family-owned distillery in Mpumalanga, South Africa, founded and run by Robert Greaves. The distillery is one of the pioneers of freshly pressed cane juice rum production in Africa. With full control over cultivation, pressing, fermentation, distillation and aging, rums with a distinct identity and origin are created. Mhoba has quickly gained international recognition for its uncompromising quality and artisanal approach.

• Producer: Mhoba Sugar Estate
• Bottler: Velier (Limited Edition)
• Type: Pure Single Rum
• Vintage: 2017
• Raw material: Freshly pressed sugar cane juice
• Distillation: High reflux pot stills
• Origin: Crocodile River Valley, Mpumalanga, South Africa
• Cask type: French oak barrels (ex-red wine)
• Barrel aging: Tropical aging
• Filtration: Not cold filtered
• Additions: No added sugar or color
• Quantity: 70 cl
• Alcohol content: 64.3%