Diamond 13 Year Port Mourant (Hamilton Single Cask Cask Strength Collection) (Marque MPM) (Barrel No. 67)

I've not been a big supporter of the Hamilton Diamond releases in this line up until now. Truthfully, I disliked them entirely. However, this one is a few years older, so perhaps it's considerably superior. Nose: It's rich and savory. I'm taken aback. It presents as meaty with some aged wood that has... I'm not sure. What am I smelling? It's savory and meaty with other peculiar notes that aren't unpleasant but are certainly demanding. A subtle rotting vegetable scent mingles with hints of soy sauce, citrus, vanilla, fireworks, more vanilla, and... I'm at a loss for words. Palate: Oh, this is much more fruity and sweet than anticipated! I'm really enjoying it. It's peculiar and bitter, yet in a rich and complete manner that truly enhances the tropical fruits. I'm detecting pineapple, mango, unripe banana, and papaya. Abundant hogo and traces of fireworks. It's luxurious. The wood component is somewhat dry and bitter. It adds equilibrium but not significant depth. It bears a resemblance to a more bitter, dry, and unusual rendition of Plantation Trinidad 2003. There's a notable grassy character present as well. This is quite intricate and arguably well-balanced. It's delicious, with predominantly positive notes. A slight waxy texture. Finish: Bitter, yet sweet. A blackberry flavor emerges now. There are some additional vegetal, fruity, oily, coconut, and woody notes surfacing. It's not exceptionally complex, but there's some subtlety. It's a little challenging, but it's intriguing and pleasant. I'm finding this enjoyable. - Summary - I genuinely appreciate this one. The previous two were not good, but this is truly delightful! It's far less harsh, more developed, and sweeter. The difference is astonishing. I regret not acquiring three of these instead of one of each. This stands up to Breukelen 77 American Single Malt 7 (12/23), though I would choose this. It's likely not substantially better, however. Still, I'm liking it. Not completely enamored, though. This surpasses Privateer Queen's Share (11/23), but not by a wide margin. I'm considering a 13, or perhaps a 14. A 15 seems regrettably unattainable. I believe I'll settle on a 13. Wow, I feel this is good, but only when contrasted with less favorable drams, such as the other two Hamilton Diamonds. I can readily identify numerous spirits that are superior. For $100, this is obviously a no-go. I suspect the retailer knew they had some inferior products and were genuinely attempting to offload them with their bundle deal that included Weller Full Proof. I also did not care for the Ry3 barrel selection I obtained from the same retailer. It seems the retailer might be making some poor selections, unfortunately. Revisiting this for a final assessment, a 13 might even be generous. I'll stick with a 13.