Velier Mangum Series #3: Hampden 8 Year (2017) <>H

Review #1436; Rum #: 735

The Velier Magnum series is an interesting collaboration between rum and photography. Spanish photographer Cristina De Middle, president of Magnum photos, came and took pictures of Hampden distillery. Four of these photos were selected for this Velier Jamaican series highlighting the famed Jamaican distillery.

This rum from Hampden Estate was wildly fermented with Dunder, Muck and Cane Vinegar before being distilled on pot stills. It then aged in ex-bourbon casks in Jamaica at origin before being bottled at high proof with no additives. This is the <>H marque which comes in at 900-1000 gr/HLPA

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Distillery: Hampden Estate

Bottler: Velier

Region: Jamaica

Still: Pot

ABV: 60%

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Nose: Sweaty, Grapefruit, Lemon Juice, Over-Ripe Pineapple, Over-Ripe Banana, Industrial Solvent

Palate: Thick oily mouthfeel, Grapefruit, Lemon Juice, Pineapple, Banana, Industrial Solvent, Sweaty, Apple Cider Vinegar, BBQ Sauce, Dr. Pepper

Finish: Long Finish, Grapefruit, Lemon Juice, Pineapple, Industrial, Solvent, Apple Cider Vinegar, Nutmeg, BBQ Sauce, Dr. Pepper

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Rating: 10/10

Yeah this is perfect Hampden rum. It bursts with flavor, its perfectly balanced between stewed fruits, spices, a bit of industrial solvent, cola note, and just a great savory undercurrent. If there was a bottle you could take and hold up as a shining example of what tropically aged Hampden could be, this would be one of the all time greats.

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1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.

2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.

3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.

4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.

5 | Good | Good, just fine.

6 | Very Good | A cut above.

7 | Great | Well above average

8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.

9 | Incredible | An all time favorite

10 | Perfect | Perfect