Hampden Estate Pure Single Jamaican Rum Overproof

It’s everything you’ve heard about Jamaican rum - petrol fumes, major hogo funk, rotten green veggies, overripe banana with some redeeming sweetness coming from bourbon wood-influenced caramel and vanilla. I’ve had the Appleton Estate Joy Blend, which I thought was one of the best brown spirits to ever grace my taste buds. This style of rum feels like it’s not going to be for my palate and not one I’ll be reaching for often, if at all. I have a feeling it’s headed to the back corner of my “home bar”. At least it’s better and more palatable than the Dr. Bird Muscatel finish, which for my taste was hideous. That one fits squarely in the drain pour category and is destined for the toilet bowl…that is if I can’t find enough Costco-sourced 1 liter Naked apple/pineapple/coconut juice to mix it with …creating a VERY poor man’s Pina Colada

Aromas of banana, molasses, with a funk that leans a bit towards the industrial side. Rich fruity flavor with some funk, maple, slightly vegetal, with some iodine in there, maybe even a little bit of dark fruit. Close to the quality of Great House at a fraction of the price. Unfortunately, this recipe has been discontinued in favor of a 4 year age stated single-marque (labeled "HLCF Classic"), so I bought a backup. Get it while you can.

Arrack

BrutL.strong

Cauliflower, sprouts, grass, marzipan, almonds, coconut

I have heard of these so called high ester rums but had no clue what to really expect. I do love smoky Islay scotch so thought maybe this was comparable. Its not, its different but that's just fine. Poured neat, no add some water as this is a hot one. A few to several drops will do lets not go crazy. Nose is.....well its frigin awesome. Breaks out of standard rum domain with the wonderful esters. Yes its loaded with glorious Jamaican hogo funk but cranked to 11. Think of walking through a junkyard on a hot day. The oil soaked soil and fluid oozing auto wreckage permeating your senses. Yeah its mostly oil but has a burnt quality to it. Kinda like sitting in the back of the plane behind the engines before takeoff as they cycle through and the ac stops for a moment and lets those pungent jet fuel fumes in. Its just for a crispy second and for some of us we sorta like it. This has that and more. Lurking right under the greasy notes is a blast of juicy pineapple and fruity sweetness. Tropical and powerful, think of all the scorpion bowls you and your buds took down at (insert name) Chinese restaurant. Palate continues the theme with the tropics catching up to big oil and some charred barrel joining in. Its real strong and hot with the proof bludgeoning you with flavors. This is clearly for experienced drinkers with some backbone for intensity and heat. Finish puts out the fire with some standard brown sugar and caramel but the spice, petrol and barrel last long into the night. This is a unique rum bomb for a select percentage who will love it. I am obviously one of them...........86/100.....If you put your hand on your raised knee when you drink rum stay the hell away from this it will destroy you...........this seems to be getting harsher after opening gotta drop score down.....80/100

Funky. Would be fun in mixed drinks but I’m not sure I’ve had a Jamaican rum that I’ve REALLY enjoyed.