Review by: Raygun

A quick note before anything else for the sake of transparency. This review was done with an industry sample provided free of charge, with no expectations beyond drinking them. As always, I do my best to provide my unbiased opinion, and readers can decide how they want to take this review. For more information, see our Ethics & Transparency statement.

The annual special release from Hampden. Distilled on a double retort pot still and aged in Jamaica for an unspecified period. Reviewed from a sample. Rested about 15 minutes.

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Distillery: Hampden

Bottler: La Maison & Velier

Region/style: Jamaican single molasses rum

ABV: 57% 

Age: Not stated. Aged in Jamaica and bottled in 2024.   

Cask type: Probably ex-bourbon but not stated

Color: 1.3 russet. Natural color and free of additives

Price: Around $120

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Nose: OK, we’re definitely in Jamaica. Overripe, almost rotten fruit: papaya, mango, plantains. Verging on sweaty socks. Some spice elements of nutmeg and allspice.      

Palate: Brings the funk for sure. Overripe fruit starting to ferment. Papaya, mango, and lime. Pineapple upside-down cake. Pretty sweet, but there’s a tart aspect that keeps it in line. Develops very nicely with time. Takes on a bit of the cheese from the finish. 

Finish: A savory, cheesy element comes out. Touch of chocolate and fig jam. More vanilla here and less fruit. Interestingly different from the palate. Still funky, but in a different way.    

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Conclusion: Very good. I’d call it a notch above the 2023 based on memory, though hard to say without a side by side. Really enjoyed the progression from nose to palate to finish, and the way it melded fruity, savory, and funky. Extra points for the way it developed over time, too. Kept getting something different as I worked through the glass, and I always enjoy when that happens. Strong release.

Score: 85

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable.
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
• 75-79: Decent rum 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.