Diamond 8 Year Wooden Pot Still (Hamilton Single Cask Cask Strength Collection) (Marque MDE) (Barrel No. 15241)

My second time with this Hamilton Guyanese rum from Mission Wine & Spirits. The first didn't wow me, and I suspected it was because it was made with a coffey still. This one used a pot still, so I felt more hopeful, though still a bit apprehensive after the prior experience. Appearance: As I feared, this is quite pale, much like the previous one. Not a good omen. Nose: Abundant molasses rum funk, quite similar to Pusser's Gunpowder Proof. While not overly complex, it delivers a strong dose of that desirable rum funk. Palate: The alcohol stings, presenting as young and sharp with a light body. Beneath this, there's caramel and bold, funky notes akin to Pusser's Gunpowder Proof. It's rich, with notes of burnt wood and char, and something else I can't quite place – a rich boldness. I detect faint hints of banana, much less orange and lime, and maybe papaya, but they are subtle. It doesn't present as particularly aged, yet it's rich and bold, but also harsh and youthful. I believe it would benefit from dilution. Even with water, it remains harsh but more approachable, still very much like the Pusser's. Finish: Bitter and largely indistinct, yet with a prominent chocolate character. This is surprisingly my favorite aspect. I also get notes of char, faint honey, and hints of mango and orange. A subtle flash of fireworks. At times, mild vegetal notes emerge. - Conclusion - It's a significant improvement, but still unrefined. It seems to be aiming for the profile of Pusser's Gunpowder Proof. Sadly, my confidence in Mission at this point is low. This falls well short of Pusser's (15/23) in quality and is even less impressive than Signatory's Caledonian 29 (1987) (12/23). The harshness is a major drawback, as is that sharp bitter sensation. I estimate it falls between a 9 and an 11, likely closer to a 10. Why are these released? With some home aging, they could be refined. They clearly need work, or perhaps they're intended solely for mixing. Breuckelen 77 Whiskey American Single Malt Aged 7 Years Bourbon Cask Finish (12/23) is demonstrably superior to this. This won't be an 11. It's a 9 or 10. I'm leaning towards a 10. Yes, a 10 it is.