Review by: The Auditor
This rum comes to us from Hampden Estate located in Trelawney in Jamaica. This rum will be replacing the old Hampden 8 year overproof that has been a mainstay for the past few years. This bottling is of the HLCF (Hampden Light Continental Flavor) mark which clocks in at 476.9 gr/hlpa. This molasses based rum was fermented for a long time in open top cedar vats, distilled on a pot still, put into ex-bourbon barrels, and aged for 4 years at the distillery in Jamaica. It is then bottled with no additives.
Distillery: Hampden Estate
Bottler: Hampden Estate
Region: Trelawny, Jamaica
ABV: 60%
Age: 4 years
Cask type: Ex-Bourbon Cask.
Price: $75
Color: Natural Color. Non-Chill Filtered.
Nose: Over-Ripe pineapple, Vanilla, lemon zest, lime juice, brine, vinegar.
Palate: Medium oily mouthfeel, Over-Ripe pineapple, Lemon Zest, Lime Juice, Brine, Vanilla, Black Pepper, apple cider vinegar.
Finish: Long finish, Black Pepper, Pineapple Bark, Cement Glue, Lemon Zest, Brine, Black Tea.
Conclusion: I know many are disappointed that this is replacing the old 8 year overproof, but this is a great rum. It hits those classic notes you want in an overproof aged Hampden release. Big bold grilled pineapple, lime juice, some vanilla, spices, and a kiss of oak to bring it all together. This is a delicious and impressive release.
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.
Malt Runners 