Lemon Hart 151 Rum

Rating: 10/23 This one has a proof comparable to Everclear. I'm hesitant to try it neat but have high expectations for it as a mixer. Nose: Surprisingly sweet. I detect strong molasses with a hint of lemon tartness and some spice, reminiscent of certain vodkas I've sampled that lost their robustness but became quite harsh. Yes, the alcohol presence is very pronounced here. I'm finding it difficult to discern more, though I may have initially caught a whiff of wood. Palate: Tart, nutty, rich, molasses, possibly some wood. After some thought, I've realized it reminds me of a sherry-aged Cambus bottle I have. I suspect it was aged in oloroso, accounting for the tartness and nuttiness. I'm puzzled by the presence of those flavors here, though. This has a much stronger alcohol presence and a flatter bitterness. The Cambus is sweeter and more complex with significantly better balance, but the fundamental profile does align quite well. There's a comparison between malt and molasses, and perhaps fireworks, but a common character is certainly present. The Cambus is definitely superior, but this isn't terrible. It does have a prominent bitter edge that is flat and difficult to overlook. Adding a considerable amount of water reveals more complexity. In this state, the molasses and spices are deeper, with notes of green banana and something savory akin to a campfire emerging. It's actually somewhat drinkable. Finish: Faint traces of molasses, spices, and lemon, but primarily a bitter void. Perhaps a lot of char. - Conclusion - I can't say I enjoyed this neat. I think I would prefer Plantation O.F.T.D. instead. It also has an unusual flavor that I find challenging for mixing, but I genuinely enjoy how it tastes with water added, suggesting great potential there. I'm still unsure about the similarity to the Cambus. So, adding substantial water shifted my rating from around a 9 neat to closer to a 7. Adding just a moderate amount of water left me considering a 9 or 10. With the moderate water addition offering some lingering complexity, I believe a 10 is justified. As a neat pour, I would pass. As a mixer, I might still recommend this, provided the price is right. I'll need to sample more overproof rums for comparison and may acquire more of this to properly test as a mixer, but it does capture that pure dark rum essence in a concentrated form. Thank you for the sample.

Nose: deep molasses, chocolate malt, toffee, coffee, nutmeg, allspice, black pepper, toasted macadamia, dried apple, mint, burnt toast, significant ethanol burn. Palate: deep molasses, boozy chocolate, allspice, nutmeg, orange and lemon zest, overly ripe banana, coffee, scorched chocolate chip cookie, pecan, toffee, black pepper, strong alcohol bite. Finish is medium long with deep molasses, chocolate, baking spice, and black pepper notes. Nothing beats sipping 151 proof rum after a tough day. The Smith & Cross yesterday felt hot, but this is in another category. However, I think it drinks below its stated proof. The aroma is rich and dark, featuring molasses, toasted nuts, burnt toffee, and a scent reminiscent of Ovaltine chocolate malt. The taste hits hard with boozy chocolate, citrus peel, banana, and deep molasses in abundance. Overall, it's better than average. It's too hot and young to be a quality sipper, but some really pleasant dark aromas and flavors are present if you can tolerate the intensity. This exceeded my admittedly very low expectations, but it's not a must-buy.

A three-way comparison with current Lemonhart 151, Hamilton 151, and Plantation OFTD was conducted neat in a Glencairn. The conclusion is that any of the three are excellent choices. OFTD's nose initially presented traditional Demerara notes, but less pronounced than the other two. Lemonhart offered an immediate espresso and flan aroma. Returning to OFTD later revealed Vietnamese coffee notes – light roast, milk, sugar, condensed milk. Hamilton presented more straightforward Demerara with brown sugar and deep caramel, but lacked coffee. All three aromas were captivating. Tasting notes: Lemonhart delivered delicious, rich, creamy, dark, sweet notes with premium espresso undertones. Hamilton was less intense, focusing on burnt dark sugar, caramel, some dark fruit, and rich molasses. OFTD shared similarities with Hamilton but was fruitier, with a hint of coffee and a distinct barrel bitterness. While it might not matter, Lemonhart 151 was my preferred selection.

A key component in several tiki creations, including the celebrated 151 Swizzle, one of my top-five tiki drinks. Lemon Hart 151 is challenging to find in the US, with sporadic production or import. Rum enthusiasts often discuss batch variations, suggesting newer yellow label versions are inferior to the red label, which was itself less desirable than previous iterations. Regardless, it's a remarkable overproof rum, exuding molasses, cinnamon, and orange, and is one of the most iconic and vital tiki rums available. That's if you can locate a bottle. If you do, please inform a friend of the location.

Sure, nobody drinks 151 expecting pure enjoyment, except for the quick intoxication it provides. But reduce the proof to about 110 with a bit of simple syrup, and this stuff will become a regular on your breakfast! I decided to give it a shot, and I'm so glad I did. Enjoy!

Very potent yet still refined for an overproof. It's extremely difficult to find; I located only one store in Boston and two across all of Massachusetts carrying this brand. A worthwhile purchase if you encounter it and consider yourself a rum aficionado like I do.