Review by: The Auditor
This sample was provided to me by a producer, distributor, or some other industry source free-of-charge. No compensation, outside of the sample, was received and there were no strings attached. You can read our full statement of Ethics & Transparency at this link.
Here we go again with me reviewing yet more Hampden. I consider it the best rum distillery in the world so expect to see it pop up fairly often. This is something somewhat new though, as this is only the 2nd time I’ve had the opportunity to try the HGML marque. High ester, long fermentation times, dunder, all that aside let’s see how this single cask that was bottled for LM&V and releasing to the US turned out.
Distillery: Hampden Estate
Bottler: Habitation Velier
Region: Jamaica
Still: Pot
ABV: 60%. Cask strength.
Marque: HGML (1000-1100 gr/hLPA)
Age: 4 years. Distilled in 2018. Bottled in 2022.
Cask type: Ex-Bourbon, 4 years in Jamaica
Color: Natural Color. Non-chill-filtered.
Nose: Pungent, meaty, pineapple, lemon pledge, cement glue, allspice, passionfruit, banana
Palate: Thick oily mouthfeel, meaty, slight glue, pineapple, lemon, allspice, banana, cumin, allspice, Raspberry, Lime Juice, brine
Finish: Long finish. Glue, meaty, apple cider vinegar, lemon, allspice, banana, black pepper, black tea, brine
Conclusion: Another incredible rum from Hampden Estate so no surprise there. Pungent, bold, and a meatiness that I don’t get in other Hampden rums I have had. These young single cask Hampden’s I’ve been lucky enough to try have all been awesome.
Final Score: 96
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 