MOB33 is a new spirit brand on the block coming from the (also new) UK distributor, Legacy Brands – it was literally announced around a week ago. The MOB33 theme revolves around the American Prohibition with the “Mob” (gangsters) being the ones who were responsible for selling/making alcohol on the black market at the time and the “33” representing the year 1933 when the Prohibition was repealed. Funny timing considering we are living a sort of prohibition nowadays. Gold Heist Rum, whose name is another playful nod to illegal practices, is the first product in their range, a blend of Latin American and Caribbean rums aged up to 5 years.
Timos Spanos, who is the Legacy Brands Portofolio Brand Ambassador and the one responsbile for the blend and flavour profile of the rum, was more than happy to give me a run through – many thanks for that! If you’re somehow tied into the rum world, you might’ve heard about him or encountered him as the (former) Global Brand Ambassador for Neptune Rum.
A couple of fun facts about the label, the “Blended underground and undercover.” statement on the front is referring to the fact that they were working on the product while being in lockdown (undercover) and their bottling facility is in Wales under an actual castle (underground) – but apparently that’s a secret, so you didn’t find out from me. Another one is that the Gold Heist was supposed to be available sooner, but they were waiting for approval from HMRC to be able to print their UK Excise Duty Stamp directly on the label rather than have it on as a sticker.
And now about the blend, although they are not allowed to mention some of the distilleries, I did some digging (and took some hints) in order to present this to you as detailed as possible – such a tough job:
- 3-5 year old blend of rums from Dominican Republic – Alcoholes Finos Dominicanos (who make Barcelo);
- 3-5 year old blend of rums from Venezuela – Santa Teresa Distillery;
- 0-5 year old blend of rums from Jamaica – Worthy Park Distillery, Clarendon Distillery and Long Pond Distillery:
- half – 2-5 year old blend of Plummer style rums;
- half – 0 year old blend of Wedderburn style rums;
- 3 year old blend of rums from Barbados – Foursquare Distillery.
Keep in mind this is still a very new product, so I’d expect some of the specs to slightly change over time. The majority of the blend are light column rums which were “spiced” up with some Jamaican fruitiness and Barbados body. I’ve been reassured by Timos there are no unholy additions present in the bottle, not even caramel colouring and no chill-filtering either. He wanted a very honest product and that’s something that always makes me happy as a bartender and rum enthusiast.
So to sum it up, MOB33 Gold Heist Rum is molasses and sugar cane juice* (the Dominican Rum component) based, a blend of rums distilled in pot, column and multi-column stills, aged from 0 to 5 years in ex-Bourbon casks in the tropics. Bottled at 40% ABV without any colouring, sweeteners or chill-filtering.
On the nose feels quite sweet and fruity. Mango, kiwi, red apples, passion fruit, raisins and canned pineapple. Floral honey, cashews, saffron, ginger beer and white wine – reminds me of a Blanco vermouth. Lemon zest, white pepper and vanilla.
On the palate once again it feels fruity and young. Mango, peaches, unripe pears, prunes, bananas and melon. Bright with some dark/spicy notes. Light tobacco, toffee, anise, pistachios, milk chocolate and a touch of bubblegum. Sponge fingers, nutmeg and white pepper. The finish is medium with ground coffee and vanilla.
A multi-island release that focuses on being easy to drink without any nefarious practices. The Jamaican and Barbados components are not overpowering the blend, but they are a welcomed addition as their are adding complexity to it. This won’t be competing with the likes of Hampden or Foursquare, it falls more into the Santa Teresa, Brugal, Havana, etc. territory and does it well. You can grab a bottle for £28 (Legacy Brands Shop), which isn’t bad if you ask me, especially if you compare it with the prices from the Barcelo range for example.
If you don’t want to grab a whole bottle but still want to try it, there’s a Zoom tasting event on Good Friday (2nd of April) organised by the Rumcask guys where MOB 33 Gold Heist rum will be featured among other expressions plus a cocktail, more details on their website here.
*it’s not an agricole style as the juice is distilled to around 95% ABV therefore almost no character from the raw material is left.
MOB33 Gold Heist Rum score:
Flavour/taste: 47/70
Value for money: 15/15
Transparency/purity: 15/15
Overall: 77/100
Cheers!
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