Transcontinental Rum Line Hampden 9 Year 2012 OWH

Review by: The Auditor

Review #1173; Rum #488

Here we have a bottling of Hampden Estate rum done by the independent bottlers Transcontinental Rum line. This cask of rum was distilled at the Hampden Estate distillery in Jamaica, aged for 9 years in ex-bourbon for a mix of tropical and continental ageing, and bottled at cask strength with no additives.

Distillery: Hampden Estate

Bottler: Transcontinental Rum Line

Region: Jamaica

Still: Pot STill

Cask: Ex-Bourbon

ABV: 57.5%

Nose: Pineapple, Banana, Vanilla, Pepper, grilled mango, black pepper

Palate:   Medium mouthfeel, Grilled Mango, Dark Chocolate, Pineapple, Black pepper, touch of vanilla, apricot

Finish:  Medium length finish, Vanilla, Grilled Mango, Black pepper, vanilla, touch of apricot

Conclusion: This is an impressive bottling of the lowest ester marque from Hampden, and its my favorite OWH Ive had. It just explodes with tropical and non-tropical fruits. Spices are thrown in the mix as well and honestly, its just a great example of rum.

Final Score: 88

Scoring Legend:

  • 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
  • 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
  • 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
  • 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
  • 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
  • 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
  • 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
  • 50-59: Save it for mixing.
  • 0-49: Blech.

Published by The Auditor

I have drank my fair amount of single malt but got started writing reviews about Single Malt and Bourbon in 2018. Over 1000 total reviews later and I focus mainly on Sugar Cane Spirits now. However, single malt is a still a spirits category I enjoy greatly as is Agave and Brandy. I wouldn’t go as far as to call myself an expert but I am the resident Rum obsessed writer for Malt Runners.

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