Mhoba Bushfire (70cl, 55%)

Mhoba Bushfire is a South African rum made from long-fermented Nkomazi sugar cane juice and distilled in pot stills. It is matured with split daubes of Sickle Bush, a native hardwood associated with South African braai culture, which gives the rum its unusual smoky character. Fresh sugar cane notes and fruit compote sit alongside sweet smoke and burnt wood, with plant-like and fermentative impressions on the palate. The smoke fades slowly while brown sugar notes linger. It is bottled at 55% without colouring. The nose opens with fresh sugar cane juice, followed by fruit compote, sweet smoke, smoking fire, dry wood and a hint of bacon. The palate is powerful and roasted, with sugar cane, plant-like and fermentative notes, barbecue smoke and warm spice. The long, warm finish remains smoky, like the embers of a dying campfire.