Review by: The Auditor

Review #1439; Rum #738

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 was distilled from molasses on a pot still after fermenting wildly for a long time with dunder,  yeasty, muck, and cane vinegar. It aged in bourbon casks at origin for 4 years before being bottled at a high proof with no additives.

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Distillery: Hampden Estate

Bottler: Velier

Region: Jamaica

Still: Pot

ABV: 60%

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Nose: Buttered Popcorn, Soy Sauce, Cement Glue, Vinegar, Allspice, Lime Pith, Guava, Brine

Palate: Thick oily mouthfeel, Buttered Popcorn, Cement Glue, Vinegar, Allspice, Brine, Guava, Soy Sauce

Finish:Medium length finish, Buttered Popcorn, Lime Pith, Buttered Popcorn, Lemon, Vinegar, Allspice, Brine

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This is an excellent rum by every meaning of the word. It’s the most refined version of DOK that I have tasted. The extreme industrial flavors are balanced out really well and this is almost like a daiquiri in a bottle. Acidic and a little sweet with some brine helps hold back the cement glue and vinegar from becoming overpowering.

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.