MHOBA Bushfire Sickle Bush Aged South African Rum is a bold expression of South Africa’s Lowveld terroir, crafted with uncompromising authenticity and wild character. This 55% ABV spirit is pot-distilled from fresh-pressed, estate-grown Nkomazi sugarcane and matured uniquely on staves of native Sickle Bush wood, infusing the rum with intense smoky and earthy notes that evoke the raw spirit of the bushveld.
Unlike traditional oak aging, the use of Sickle Bush—a thorny hardwood known for its fiery aroma reminiscent of wild campfires—imparts a distinctive smoky, sap-rich profile that sets Bushfire apart. The glass demijohn maturation allows the rum to absorb complex layers of leather, toasted spice, and green sugarcane husk, balanced by surprising hints of dried peach, honeycomb, and eucalyptus. The nose is evocative of a sunset bonfire, inviting a deep sensory experience.
On the palate, Bushfire is unapologetically bold and rustic, delivering dry, intense flavors of burnt sugar, warm pepper, pine sap, and woodsmoke. Its oily texture carries notes of charred orange peel, resin, and black tea, with a distinctive metallic minerality that echoes natural wine’s complexity. This rum’s character has been likened to an African Islay whisky, blending peated smokiness with cane spirit vibrancy.
The finish is long, smoky, and herbal, with subtle tannins and whispers of dried herbs and green tobacco that linger, making each sip a memorable journey through the South African bush.
Produced by MHOBA, a trailblazing distillery in Malalane, Mpumalanga, Bushfire embodies estate-grown, wild-fermented cane juice craftsmanship. This rum is a celebration of place and process, showcasing
