Review by: The Auditor
Review #1461; Rum #760
Here we have a rum bottled by dependent bottlers Habitation Velier. This rum was distilled at the Hampden Distillery in Jamaica after being fermented for a long time on copper pot stills. It then aged for 5 years in 9 ex-sherry Lustau, both Pedro Jiménez and Oloroso casks. It was then bottled at barrel proof with no additives.
Distillery: Hampden Estate
Bottler: Habitation Velier
Region: Jamaica
Still: Pot
ABV: 60%
Nose: Cranberries, Raspberry, Sweaty Socks, Orange Marmalade
Palate: Medium oily mouthfeel, Sweaty Socks, Raspberry, Cranberry, Ginger, Orange Marmalade, a little hot
Finish: Medium length finish, Sweaty Socks, Raspberry, Orange Marmalade, bitter on the very end
I have to say, as far as sherry aged Hampden goes, I think the Pagos is a better example of highlighting the sherry ageing. Here, the base distillate gets lost behind a cacophony of fruits and a very sweaty locker room esque note. One I have never gotten in a Hampden product before. It runs a little hot as well. Im going to call it fine, if you like a very heavy sherry influence on your rums this might be for you. For me, as a product from Hampden Estate, I have to rank it among my least favorite.
Final Score: 82
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 