Review by: The Auditor

Review #1385; Rum #688

Here we have a bottling from Bedford Park, a relative newcomer in the Independent bottler game, but one who has released some stuff I’ve really enjoyed. This bottling is a Jamaican rum from Hampden Estate. This rum was distilled from molasses on a pot still and aged in Europe for 23 years in a New French Oak Cask before being bottled with no additives or chill filtering.

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Distillery: Hampden Estate

Bottler: Bedford Park

Region: Jamaica

Still: Pot

ABV: 54.8%

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Nose: Vanilla, Figs, Candied Ginger, Dark Chocolate, Pineapple Rind

Palate: Thick oily mouthfeel, Figs, Candied Ginger, Pineapple Rind, Cement Glue, Black Tea

Finish:  Medium length finish, Sandalwood, Candied Ginger, Pineapple Rind, Cement Glue, Black Tea

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Conclusion: This is a delicious and easily drinkable Hampden. The fruit and spice note are at the forefront and make it quite good and balanced. Theres a bit of that classic glue and pineapple too and a lot of candied ginger. Some dark fruits I’d guess come from the French Oak cask but overall this is a real winner.

Final Score: 91

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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.