South African rum
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Mhoba 2020 Single Cask Bourbon Nectar
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Mhoba 2020 Single Cask Bourbon Nectar
In stock
Mhoba 2020 Single Cask Bourbon Nectar is a South African rum made from sugar cane juice and distilled in a pot still. That already places it in a more distinctive corner of the rum world, with the raw material playing a central role in the identity of the spirit.
This release is all about focus and small-scale character. It was drawn from a single Bourbon Barrel and bottled at cask strength, 57.4%, with just 142 bottles produced. Rather than a broad house style, it presents one individual cask in a concentrated form.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that adds depth to a rum selection: South African origin, cane juice production, pot still distillation and single cask bottling come together in a rum with a clearly defined place of its (…)Mhoba American Oak Aged
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Mhoba American Oak Aged
Only 3 left in stock!
Mhoba American Oak Aged is a South African rum made from sugar cane juice and distilled in a pot still. That gives it a different starting point from many molasses-based rums, with the raw character of cane sitting closer to the heart of the spirit.
The American oak ageing is given an extra dimension through a whisky finish. With no age statement, the focus falls less on a number and more on style: fruit and spice are the main threads, supported by gentle wood influence, a light floral touch and a subtle vegetal edge.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we like to place in front of customers who want to explore how varied the category can be when cane juice, pot still distillation and cask influence come together. As these are the last bottles, (…)Mhoba Bushfire
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Mhoba Bushfire
In stock
Mhoba Bushfire is a South African rum made from sugar cane juice and distilled in a pot still. Bottled at 55%, it has the kind of presence that puts the raw material and distillation style firmly in the foreground.
In the Drankenshop Broekmans selection, this bottle stands out for its combination of South African sugar cane juice rum and the influence of Sicklebush Tree. That points the character toward wood and spice, while the fruitier side remains clearly part of the profile.
There is no age statement here, so the focus is not on a number but on the style of the rum itself. With only the last bottles remaining, Mhoba Bushfire is a distinctive choice for anyone curious about the more individual side of South African rum.
The impression is (…)Mhoba Pot Still High Ester
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Mhoba Pot Still High Ester
On request only
Mhoba Pot Still High Ester is a South African rum with a very direct identity: sugar cane juice, pot still distillation and a high-ester style at the centre of the experience. Rather than leaning on sweetness or wood influence, this bottling is about the force and personality of the distillate itself.
At 65.2% alcohol, it is a powerful rum that deserves a measured approach. The flavour profile points towards floral and fruity notes, supported by gentle spice and a light vegetal edge. That gives it a lively, expressive direction, with the cane spirit taking the lead.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we place in front of customers who are interested in more outspoken, distillate-driven styles. With only the last bottles remaining, it is also a (…)Mhoba Pot Still High Esters
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Mhoba Pot Still High Esters
On request only
Mhoba Pot Still High Esters is a South African rum with a very clear sense of direction. The name already tells you where the focus lies: pot still character, high ester intensity and a style that is anything but neutral.
At 66.5% ABV, this is a rum to approach with time and attention. It is made for drinkers who are drawn to powerful, concentrated spirits rather than easygoing sweetness or lightness. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of bottle that speaks to people exploring the more expressive side of rum.
With only the last bottles remaining, it also has a certain immediacy around it. For anyone interested in South African rum or in robust pot still bottlings, Mhoba Pot Still High Esters is a bottle with a very distinct identity.
Mhoba Select R French Cask
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Mhoba Select R French Cask
In stock
Mhoba Select R French Cask is a South African rum with a bold, unpolished sense of identity. Made from sugar cane juice and distilled in a pot still, it stays close to its raw material rather than moving toward a softer, heavily rounded molasses style.
The French cask reference and wine finish add a distinctive maturation angle, while the flavour profile suggests that wood remains a supporting element rather than the whole story. Bottled at cask strength at 65%, this is a rum presented with its power intact.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Mhoba as a compact but expressive release for drinkers who enjoy rum with origin, structure and intensity. With 1200 bottles produced and only the last bottles remaining, it has the feel of a focused small release (…)Mhoba Select Release White
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Mhoba Select Release White
Only 2 left in stock!
Mhoba Select Release White is a South African rum with a direct, energetic personality. Made from sugar cane juice and distilled in a pot still, it keeps the focus firmly on the raw material rather than on wood influence.
At 58% ABV and bottled at cask strength, this white release has real presence. With no age statement, its appeal lies in concentration, immediacy and the expressive side of sugar cane juice rum.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for drinkers who enjoy rum in a more outspoken, less polished style. With the last bottles now in view, this Select Release has an added sense of scarcity without needing any embellishment.
The profile is assertive, with clear fruity and spiced impressions at the front. Lighter floral, (…)Mhoba Select Reserve Glass Cask Incl. Box
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Mhoba Select Reserve Glass Cask Incl. Box
In stock
Mhoba Select Reserve Glass Cask is a South African rum made from sugar cane juice and distilled in a pot still. Its interest lies less in a classic wood-led style and more in the direct, concentrated character of the spirit itself.
The Glass Cask name refers to the listed glass demi-john. In the supplied profile, oak is not the point of focus; spice stands out most clearly, supported by lighter floral, fruity and vegetal elements.
Bottled at 60% and at cask strength, this is a powerful Mhoba to approach with time and attention. At Drankenshop Broekmans, it sits in the selection as a distinctive choice for drinkers who want to explore South African sugar cane juice rum in a more uncompromising form. With only the last bottles remaining, it is not a release (…)Mhoba Select White (Habitation Velier)
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Mhoba Select White (Habitation Velier)
In stock
Mhoba Select White Hab is a white rum with a very clear identity. For the first time, Habitation Velier has released a white rum from the Mhoba distillery in South Africa, putting the focus firmly on pure sugar cane juice, fermentation and pot still distillation.
It is made from juice of the local N49 cane variety from the Mpumalanga valley. After wild open-air fermentation, the rum is distilled in artisanal pot stills and bottled at 66.2%. That strength is part of its personality: it carries an aromatic profile with fermented notes, ripe fruit, spice and a lightly vegetal edge, without any wood influence taking the spotlight.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of rum we like to introduce to people who see white rum as a serious spirit in its own (…)Mhoba Strand 101
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Mhoba Strand 101
On request only
Mhoba Strand 101 is a South African rum made from sugar cane juice, pot still distilled and bottled at cask strength. It is a rum with a direct, assertive identity, built less around softness and more around the raw material, distillation style and bottling strength.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for drinkers who enjoy rum with a more pronounced voice. The 58% ABV is central to that impression: it keeps the rum close to its full-strength character rather than presenting it in a lighter, more diluted form.
Its profile points towards spice and fruit as the main themes, supported by lighter touches of wood, sweetness, floral notes and a vegetal edge. With no age statement, the focus remains firmly on origin, cane juice, pot still distillation (…)Mhoba Strand 101
79360° view available
Mhoba Strand 101
In stock
Mhoba Strand 101 is a South African rum made from sugar cane juice, produced in a pot still style and bottled at 50.5%. It has a direct, expressive presence, with enough strength to let the raw material and production style come through clearly.
Oak cask influence gives the rum a firm backbone. The flavour profile points to a clearly woody side, supported by lighter touches of spice, fruit, sweetness, floral nuance and a vegetal edge. That makes Strand 101 feel layered without becoming overly polished.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Mhoba bottling stands out for customers looking beyond the more familiar rum styles and towards South African sugar cane juice rum with real character. With only the last bottles remaining, it also has a quietly scarce feel.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to most frequently asked questions about rum
What is rum?
Rum is a liquor made from sugar cane. It can be made via molasses (the syrupy by-product of sugar production) or via fresh sugarcane juice. After fermentation and distillation, you have the base, which is then often aged in wooden barrels. As simple as it sounds, the result is versatile: from light and fresh to deep and complex.
Europe has imposed rules and distinguishes between "rum" and "spirit drink". A drink can only be called rum if it:
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is made from sugar cane products
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is fermented and distilled
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has a maximum alcohol content of 96% at distillation
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contains at least 37.5% alcohol at bottling
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contains no flavourings or large quantities of sugar
If producers do use extra flavourings, lots of sugar or other additives, it legally becomes "spirit drink" or "spirituose" instead of rum.
What is the difference between rum and spirit drink?
In Europe, this difference has come about mainly because of stricter and clearer rules around protected drink categories. "Rum" is not a non-committal marketing term in the EU, but a legally defined category. If a product does not exactly meet that definition, it can no longer officially be called rum and must be sold as a "spirit drink", for example.
The main rules are in the European geographical indications and spirit legislation, now under Regulation (EU) 2019/787.
The heart of the problem usually lies in one of these points:
- Added flavourings
Real rum may not simply be flavoured with, say, vanilla, chocolate or other distinct flavourings if it is still to be called "rum". Once the additives fall outside the permissible limits, it legally becomes a "spirit drink". - Added sugar or sweeteners
There are limits on how much sugar or sweetening can be added without losing the "rum" category. Some producers used to add relatively large amounts of sugar to make the drink softer or fuller. Stricter controls required those products to be relabelled. - Alcohol from other raw materials
Rum must come from sugar cane products such as molasses or sugar cane juice. If neutral alcohol of other origin is added (e.g. grain alcohol), the product falls outside the definition. - Production method or strength
Minimum alcohol percentages and production methods are also set by law.
Especially in recent years, enforcement has become stricter. As a result, you see that some brands that were sold as rum for years suddenly got "spirit drink", "spiced spirit drink" or "rum-based spirit drink" on the label.
A well-known example are certain "spiced rums". Many consumers still call them rum, but legally some of them cannot be called rum in Europe because they are too strongly flavoured or sweetened.
That does not necessarily mean the quality is worse - just that the product no longer fits within the strict EU definition of rum. Some enthusiasts actually find these stricter rules positive, as it makes it clearer what is pure rum and what is a flavoured variety.
Which rum is tasty?
The question "which rum is good?" seems simple, but the answer depends entirely on personal taste. Instead of immediately reaching for specific bottles, it makes more sense to first consider what you would like to drink. Do you like soft, sweet flavours like vanilla, caramel and honey, or do you rather prefer fresh and light notes like citrus and coconut? Maybe you just go for something more powerful with wood, spices and cocoa, or even a more pronounced, funky style with ripe fruit and an almost wild intensity. After all, rum is one of the most diverse spirits, and "tasty" means something different to everyone.
In addition, the moment also plays a role. A light, fresh rum comes into its own in cocktails and on hot days, while a richer, fuller rum is better suited to drinking on its own or as a digestif. There are also styles that sit somewhere in between: accessible enough for mixed drinks, but with enough character to appreciate solo as well.
By approaching the question in this way, you will not only discover what you yourself find a tasty rum, but you will also eventually begin to better understand why that rum suits you.
What types of rum are there?
The best-known subdivisions are white, gold and dark. White rum is bright, fresh and perfect for cocktails like mojito or daiquiri. Golden rum has a bit more body thanks to a short maturation. Dark rum matures longer and develops rich, spicy notes that you can safely drink pure. And then there is spiced rum, where spices like vanilla or cinnamon give it an extra sweet twist.
Broadly speaking, you can distinguish the following styles:
- White rum: clear and light in flavour
- Gold rum: golden, richer flavour than white rum with notes of caramel and vanilla
- Dark rum: dark, deep in colour, with rich and complex flavours such as molasses, chocolate and spices
- Spiced rum: flavoured with spices such as cinnamon, cloves and vanilla
- Overproof rum: high alcohol content, often above 50%
- Flavored rum: Added flavours such as coconut, pineapple or mango
What is English-style rum?
This rum is known for its full, rich and complex flavours. The English-style rum often has notes of molasses, caramel, fruit and spices.
This style rum is made from molasses and is often distilled in pot stills, resulting in a robust flavour profile. According to American Chemical Society, rums from pot stills contain more esters and higher alcohols, which contribute to the complex flavour.
Countries where the specific style of rum is traditionally produced include Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana and Trinidad. Well-known brands of English-style rums include Appleton Estate, Mount Gay and El Dorado.
What is Spanish-style rum?
Spanish-style rum ("Ron") is lighter and sweeter, with a smooth and refined taste. These rums often have notes of vanilla, caramel and tropical fruit.
It is made from molasses and often distilled in column stills, resulting in a lighter, purer rum. Column stills allow for more efficient distillation, giving the rum a more consistent character. Furthermore, these rums are often aged in a so-called Solera system.
Countries where the specific style of rum is traditionally produced: Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Venezuela, brands like Bacardi, Ron Zacapa and Havana Club probably sound familiar.
What is Rhum Agricole (French style)?
French-style rum has an earthy, grassy and sometimes floral flavour. It is often complex and can range from light and fresh to rich and spicy. It is a real "love it or hate it" type of rum: some swear by it and others revile it.
This rum is made from freshly squeezed sugarcane juice and usually distilled in pot stills. Production often follows strict standards, such as the AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) in Martinique, ensuring consistent and high-quality production.
Countries where this particular style of rum is traditionally produced: Martinique, Guadeloupe and Haiti. Well-known brands include Rhum Clément, Rhum JM and Barbancourt.
What do VS, VSOP and XO mean?
Unlike with cognac, these designations are not regulated within rum. These designations in rums therefore often say more about quality or style, but do not necessarily refer to an explicit (minimum) age of the spirit in the bottle.
How strong is rum?
Most rums are around 37.5% to 40% alcohol. But beware: there are also so-called overproof rums that easily exceed 60%. These will immediately spice up your cocktail - or provide a solid punch when drunk straight.
What is the difference between rum, cachaça and rhum agricole?
It's all in the base. Rum is usually made from molasses, while cachaça (from Brazil) and rhum agricole (from the French Caribbean) always come from fresh sugarcane juice. The result? Agricole and cachaça often have a somewhat grassy, spicy touch, while rum tends to be rounder and softer.
What rum do you use for cocktails?
For fresh mixed drinks such as a mojito or daiquiri, it is best to choose a light white rum. Tiki cocktails or a Dark 'n Stormy, on the other hand, get more depth from a dark or spicy rum. In short: your choice of rum makes all the difference in your glass.
Which rums can you drink pure?
Aged rums from Barbados, Jamaica or the Dominican Republic, for example, are often smooth, complex and ideal to enjoy pure. They can easily compete with a good whisky or cognac in terms of depth.
How does rum taste compared to whisky or brandy?
Rum tends to be sweeter and rounder thanks to the sugar cane. Whisky can be malty, spicy or smoky, while brandy is more likely to have fruity, wine-like notes. A matter of taste, but rum often has a more tropical character.
What is the maturation process for rum?
Rum usually matures in ex-bourbon barrels. Due to the warm climate in the Caribbean, this is faster than for whisky in Scotland. As a result, an 8-year-old rum can already taste surprisingly intense.
What is the difference between pot still rum and column still rum?
- Pot still-rum is rich, powerful and complex because it is distilled in smaller batches.
- Column still-rum is lighter and cleaner, ideal for blending.
Many brands combine both styles to get a balanced profile.
What does "solera" or "solera system rum" mean on a rum bottle?
Solera System rum refers to a maturation method where young and old rums flow together. In a Solera System, barrels of different ages are stacked on top of each other, with the oldest rum sitting at the bottom. Bottles are filled from these lower barrels, and then the barrel is replenished with rum from the row above, and so on. The result is a blend of quite a few different ages that results in a flavourful, complex final product that is still consistent in quality, style and recognisability. Because the oldest barrels at the bottom are always diluted with younger rums, the final product in a properly functioning Solera system, after decades of production, basically still contains traces of the very first, oldest rum the process ever started with.
The year number on the bottle then often refers to the oldest rum in the blend, not the average age.
Is rum always made from sugar cane?
Yes, that is a must. Whether it is molasses or sugarcane juice, rum must always come from sugarcane. Other sugars (beet, palm, etc.) are officially outside the definition.
The base for a rum can usually be reduced to one of the following groups:
- Molasses (molasses, syrup): Molasses is fermented and distilled, after which the rum can be aged in barrels. Molasses is a by-product of sugar production and contains many sugars that are converted into alcohol and complex flavourings during fermentation.
- Suger Cane Juice : This rum is known for its natural, unadulterated taste of sugar cane. In this rum, the juice is directly fermented and then distilled.
- Spiced rum: Base rum to which spices and sometimes additional flavours are added during or after the distillation process.
- Sugar Cane Syrup: Sugar cane syrup is fermented and distilled. The use of sugar cane syrup gives the rum a more concentrated and pure sugar cane flavour.
- Sugar Cane Honey: This substance, also known as "miel de caña" in Spanish, is a thick, syrupy liquid obtained by boiling the juice of sugar cane until it thickens, but before it crystallises into sugar. This method is less common and results in a rum with a unique, rich flavour.
- Arranged rum: Base rum is mixed with various flavourings and left to macerate for some time. This gives the rum a distinct and often sweet profile.
What is molasses?
Molasses is a syrupy by-product of sugar refining. It is created when sugar cane or sugar beet is processed to produce sugar.
What is the difference between white and dark rum?
The difference between white and dark rums is mainly in the production methods and ageing times, resulting in different flavours, colours and uses. White rum is clear and translucent, has a mild and light flavour with subtle notes, and is often aged for a shorter time than dark rum, usually in stainless steel tanks or neutral barrels to preserve its colour. This rum type is popular in cocktails such as mojitos and daiquiris, where a subtle rum flavour is desired without affecting the colour of the drink.
Dark rum, on the other hand, is dark brown to almost black in colour, with a rich and full-bodied flavour that contains complex notes of caramel, vanilla and sometimes spices. This rum is aged longer in oak barrels, which contributes to its dark colour and rich flavour. Sometimes caramel is also added for extra colour and flavour. Dark rum is often used in cocktails where a stronger rum flavour is desired, such as in a rum old fashioned, or drunk pure as a sipping rum.
What is the history of rum?
Rum was first produced in the Caribbean in the 17th century, with the first documented production in Barbados around 1650. Production quickly spread to North America, especially to the colonies in New England, where rum became an important trade product.
Rum played a crucial role in the transatlantic slave trade, also known as the Triangular Trade. Slaves from Africa were brought to the Caribbean to work on sugar cane plantations, while sugar and rum were shipped to Europe and North America. Locals and workers often had access to the rum produced locally, making it a popular drink among the lower social classes. This gave rum a negative connotation and it was seen as the drink for the poor. Today, this image has completely changed is rum is a versatile and popular drink.
Why is rum so strongly associated with pirates?
In the 17th and 18th centuries, rum was the means of payment and exchange in the Caribbean. Sailors often received a ration of rum as part of their wages. No wonder pirates and rum have been inextricably linked ever since.
Where can I buy rum?
Basic rums like a brown Havana Club can be found in any shop or supermarket these days, but there is so much more! With over 1,000 rums in our range, Drankenshop Broekmans is the right place for all your rum needs, no matter what colour, flavour, profile, brand, country or price range you are looking for.
