MHOBA 2017 64,3% VELIER FAQ PLASTIC

Distilled in 2017 by Robert Greaves in a self-build high reflux pot still at Mhoba Distillery, aged in ex-red wine, French oak barrels, this is produced from Nkomazi sugarcane juice, cultivated on the distillery's own farm, in South Africa.

THE BRAND

Mhoba Distillery, established in South Africa in Mpumalanga region, north-east of the country, is an artisanal distillery led by Robert Greaves born from his idea to build one after his trip to Mauritius. Greaves family grows sugarcane since the 1980s and Robert, as a mechanical engineer, has independently built all the various components of the distillation process. The production starts from Nkomazi sugarcane juice, cultivated on Mhoba’s own farm and the distillery operates self-build high reflux Pot Stills.

THE BOTTLER

Velier was founded by the Chaix family in Genova in 1947 as a small traditional company specialised in the importation and distribution of wines, champagnes and spirits. In 1983, a young Luca Gargano, former brand ambassador for Saint James at that time, acquired shares in Velier. Under his influence the company began spacialising in the importation of outstanding spirits exclusively destinated to the Italian market. By the early 90s Luca heard about a legendary stock of Saint James rum dating back probably to 1885 and bottled in 1952. After a complex negotiation, he finally managed to acquire the entire stock. This was only the first of a list of legendary selections to come in the following years.