Review by: The Auditor

Review #1437; Rum #736

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 botting of rum was distilled from molasses on a copper pot still after fermenting wildly. It was put into ex-bourbon casks where it aged for 9 years in Jamaica before being bottled at a high proof with no additives. LROK comes in at 200-400 gr/HLPA.

---

Distillery: Hampden Estate

Bottler: Velier

Region: Jamaica

Still: Pot

ABV: 60%

---

Nose: Fresh Banana, Nuts, Vanilla Bean, Cinnamon, Allspice, Nutmeg, Toasted Brown Sugar

Palate: Medium oily mouthfeel, Vanilla, Banana, Nuttiness, Allspice, Nutmeg, Toasted Brown Sugar

Finish: Medium length finish, Vanilla, Banana, Allspice, Nutmeg, Toasted Brown Sugar

---

This is another great bottling of rum from Hampden Estate. This leans more towards the approachable side of the spectrum for me. Tropical fruits, a bit of sweetness, spice to balance and round it out. The years of tropical ageing has made an explosion of fruits here and its really complimented by the barrel.

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.