Duncan Taylor Hampden C<>H 14 Year 2007

Review by: The Auditor

Review 1141; Rum #459

Here we have a single cask of rum bottled by independent bottler Duncan Taylor. This Hampden rum was distilled from molasses and aged for 14 years in Europe before being bottled. It is of the C<>H mark which is a high ester mark measuring at 1300-1400 GR/HLPA.

Distillery: Hampden Estate

Bottler: Duncan Taylor

Region: Trelawny Parish, Jamaica

Still: Pot Still

Cask: Ex-bourbon, 14 years in Europe

ABV: 50.8%

Nose: Grilled pineapple, faint butterscotch, a bit of glue, lemon zest, vanilla yogurt

Palate: Medium oily mouthfeel, faint butterscotch, hint of glue, lemon zest, Vanilla

Finish:   Short finish, popcorn, hint of glue, pop of lemon zest

Conclusion: This is a very good bottling of rum. It has the hallmarks of a lot of the well aged continental C<>H bottlings I have had. However, those notes are tuned way down compared to the more intense versions I have tried. If I am going to drink a high ester aged rum from Hampden, I want it at a higher proof so I can proof it down myself as needed.

Final Score: 85

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

Unknown's avatar

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.

Leave a comment