Holmes Cay Mhoba 6 Year 2018 – SAWP

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


Rating: 3/10

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.


1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.

2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.

3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.

4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.

5 | Good | Good, just fine.

6 | Very Good | A cut above.

7 | Great | Well above average

8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.

9 | Incredible | An all time favorite

10 | Perfect | Perfect


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