Review #1476; Rum #775

This rum was bottled by independent bottler The Whisky Jury. This rum is called The Duo and is a blend of 2 different rums. Both rums pot distilled, one from a country in South America and the other from Hampden Estate. A 6 year old South American rum and 2  year old Hampden C<>H rum. No additive and bottled at cask strength, let’s see how this works.

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Distillery: Hampden and Unknown

Bottler: The Whisky Jury

Region: Jamaica / South America

Still: Pot

ABV: 50.7%

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Nose: Vanilla, Apricot, Buttery Popcorn, Pineapple, Cinnamon, Allspice

Palate: Medium mouthfeel, Candied Orange Peel, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Allspice

Finish: Medium length Finish, Candied Orange Peel, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Allspice, Dark Chocolate, Ginger

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I must admit, reading the description of this as a blend of South American Rum and Hampden I was apprehensive. But this is just really damn good. Tons of fruit, buttery popcorn, lots of spices. Its just a classic tasting rum with enough of that high ester funk to make it a little more interesting. This is one of those rums that rides that line of want to drink all the time casually but also to sit there and dissect it.

Final Score: 88

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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.