Review by: The Auditor
Review #1436; Rum #: 735
The Velier Magnum series is an interesting collaboration between rum and photography. Spanish photographer Cristina De Middle, president of Magnum photos, came and took pictures of Hampden distillery. Four of these photos were selected for this Velier Jamaican series highlighting the famed Jamaican distillery.
This rum from Hampden Estate was wildly fermented with Dunder, Muck and Cane Vinegar before being distilled on pot stills. It then aged in ex-bourbon casks in Jamaica at origin before being bottled at high proof with no additives. This is the <>H marque which comes in at 900-1000 gr/HLPA
Distillery: Hampden Estate
Bottler: Velier
Region: Jamaica
Still: Pot
ABV: 60%
Nose: Sweaty, Grapefruit, Lemon Juice, Over-Ripe Pineapple, Over-Ripe Banana, Industrial Solvent
Palate: Thick oily mouthfeel, Grapefruit, Lemon Juice, Pineapple, Banana, Industrial Solvent, Sweaty, Apple Cider Vinegar, BBQ Sauce, Dr. Pepper
Finish: Long Finish, Grapefruit, Lemon Juice, Pineapple, Industrial, Solvent, Apple Cider Vinegar, Nutmeg, BBQ Sauce, Dr. Pepper
Yeah this is perfect Hampden rum. It bursts with flavor, its perfectly balanced between stewed fruits, spices, a bit of industrial solvent, cola note, and just a great savory undercurrent. If there was a bottle you could take and hold up as a shining example of what tropically aged Hampden could be, this would be one of the all time greats.
Final Score: 100
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.
Malt Runners 