Kill Devil Hampden 17yr 2001 <>H TWB Exclusive

Review by: The Auditor

Review #1107; Rum #433

This is a bottling of Hampden rum that was bottled by Kill Devil for The Whisky Barrel.com. This molasses based rum was distilled in 2001, aged for 17 years (likely in Europe) and bottled at cask strength with no additives. This rum is likely of the <>h Marque which comes in at 900-100 gr/hLAA ester levels.

Distillery: Hampden Estate

Bottler: Hunter Laing/Kill Devil

Region: Jamaica

ABV: 58.8%

Price: £200

Nose:  Pineapple Bark, slight cement glue, lemon zest, Butterscotch

Palate: Medium oily mouthfeel, Pineapple, Cement Glue, Lemon Zest, Butterscotch, allspice, pencil eraser

Finish: Medium length finish, pineapple, sandalwood, Cement glue, lemon zest, allspice, black pepper, pencil eraser

Conclusion: This is a great rum. It’s pungent, fruit forward, with a touch of spice and butterscotch to round it out. It doesn’t hit as high as some other Hampden rums I’ve had but it’s still delicious. It has a good amount of complexity and doesn’t register as over-oaked to me.

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

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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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