Stolen Rum

This is my first experience with an overproof rum, and if all others are like this, I'm done with them forever. The aroma is less of a scent and more of a stench. It immediately brings to mind burning tires or rubber, followed by a highly chemical note and a whiff of mashed garlic, perhaps slightly off. Amidst the alcohol fumes, there's a faint hint of mashed banana. The initial taste is like licking the inside of a burnt tire and biting into heavily charred oak, with an intensely dry oak presence. The finish brings notes of rotting wood or fermenting vegetables. A supremely disappointing experience for a supposed 'six-year-old pot still' rum. I'd use it as a deterrent or a form of punishment.

Light amber hue. This spirit is likely not for inexperienced rum drinkers. The aroma presents over-ripe bananas, mango, vanilla ice cream, and a touch of menthol. The palate features caramelized bananas, pineapple, papaya, raisins, candied orange peel, green apple skin, oak, with subtle notes of gasoline, petroleum jelly, and burnt coffee. The finish includes vanilla extract, a mix of tropical fruits, oak, petroleum jelly, and damp leaves. Initially, upon opening the bottle, I found this incredibly pleasing. Upon returning for a second serving the next day, the gasoline note seemed more prominent but wasn't overwhelming or unpleasant. This is my first experience with Hampden Estate. It is remarkably intricate and demanding, yet it inspires me to explore Hampden's own releases.

This is THE rum that truly ignited my interest in the diverse styles and expressions of rum, and it remains impressive. It boasts a potent, ester-driven nose with citrus, bananas, brown sugar, and alcoholic astringency. The palate delivers a powerful punch of overripe bananas, vanilla, and pineapple, with a thick and luxurious mouthfeel. For those seeking an introduction to Overproof rum, this might be overwhelming. But for the drinker with an open palate and a desire for complex and robust aromas and flavors, this is recommended.

The nose is sweet and pleasant, offering banana and a hint of menthol. However, it had been stored in a car tire for a week. The rubbery taste persists and lingers, and attempting to drink water to eliminate it only exacerbates the issue.

Exceptional for a rum, offering scotch-like complexity. Notes of funky cheese and bananas. Very intricate. Good.

A bit warm, but a really good aged rum. Intense fruity aroma, ripe banana.