Hampden Estate Great House (Distillery Edition 2020)

Deep copper hue. The aroma is filled with a variety of tropical fruits like mango, papaya, and pineapple, alongside roasted plantains, banana taffy, pine needles, vanilla bean, and salted caramel. The mouthfeel is substantial and warming. The flavor follows the tropical fruit from the nose, with a notable amount of toasted oak, cinnamon, nutmeg, toffee, cocoa powder, white pepper, and sea salt, plus faint hints of charcoal, turpentine, and gasoline. The finish is lengthy and warm, with more tropical fruits and baking spices, prominent lingering notes of overripe bananas, cinnamon, vanilla bean, toasted oak, and then notes of sea salt and gasoline emerge as other flavors recede. Compared to the 8-year overproof, the alcohol level is lower here, yet it feels hotter. The tasting notes are comparable, but this one stimulates the palate more. I perceive even greater depth and complexity here than in the 8-year overproof or the Habitation Velier 10-year. I would definitely choose this Great House expression over the more expensive HV selection. Is it worth the approximately 30% higher cost than the standard 8-year overproof? Well, I know where I can acquire another bottle, and I'm contemplating how to justify the trip to my wife.

Picture stepping into an old-school garage, not a modern lounge with free coffee, but one where mechanics are working on a car suspended overhead. The air is thick with oil and gasoline fumes. Now, imagine smelling that grease while simultaneously eating sweet cotton candy. This funky rum embodies that experience. It deviates from typical rum profiles, leaning more towards a Springbank or even a Caroni. I acquired a small sample because I was unsure if "funky" suited my palate. However, I'm finding myself quite fond of it. After just one sip, I'm saving the rest for the weekend, but this is a uniquely enjoyable pour, akin to a miniature Caroni.

Opening the bottle revealed an initial aroma of "tire shop," a strong industrial funk that gradually gives way to notes of nutmeg and vanilla. The palate began with a funky sensation, reminiscent of "mango peel," but with airing, hints of chocolate, cola, tiramisu, and more tire emerged. It might be my preferred Great House bottling, though a tournament is needed for confirmation.

Abundant funky tropical fruit and cola. Aroma: Cherries, Raspberries, Bananas, Honey, Coconuts, Caramel, Apricots, Cola, Maple Syrup, Violets, Pineapples, Mangoes, Vanilla, Cotton Candy Palate: Cherry Cola, Bananas, Honey, Maple Syrup, Dark Chocolate, Prunes, Figs, Molasses, Root Beer Finish: Cherry Cola, Raspberries, Strawberries

A friend practically crashed into a Jamaican guardrail to get this for me. It has an intriguing burn, and I mean that in the best possible way. A rum that demands respect. I tried it neat and enjoyed it immensely.

A very pleasing rum, with a rich and complex funk that exceeds its ester count. Lots of overripe fruit, cola, and gasoline to engage your senses.