Review #933; Rum #291: Golden Devil Hampden 27yr (1993)

Golden Devil Hampden 27yr (1993)

This is a single cask of rum that comes to us from the Hampden distillery located in Jamaica. This rum was distilled from molasses on a pot still, fermented with wild yeats, put into an ex-bourbon barrel then aged for 27 years in Europe before being chosen by K&L Wines in California for bottling at cask strength. Of note this cask is of the JMC Mark which denotes a 900-1400 gr/hL ester level. Though the esters are of contention I believe this to be closer to that 1400 line of C<>H.

ABV: 66.1%

Nose: Shockingly pungent given the age, Lemon Zest, Passionfruit, Lime Juice, Olive Oil, Over-ripe Bananas, Brine, slight soy sauce, Star Anise, vanilla Chai

Palate: Thick oily mouthfeel, Lemon Zest, Lime Juice, Olive Oil, Brine, Soy Sauce, Over-Ripe bananas, star Anise, tomato, Vanilla Chai

Finish: Long finish, Lemon Zest, Grilled Pineapple, Soy Sauce, Brine, Olive Oil, slight vegetalness, Meats, Star Anise, Vanilla Chai

Rating: 10/10

Simply perfect. This is a show stopper. This is one of those rums that you pour an ounce of, and just sip and think about all evening. Tropical fruits, meats, grilled fruits, slight industrial notes, spices, good oak structure. The pungent nature of this is fantastic and it doesn’t veer anywhere near over-oaked territory like some older rums I have tried. The alcohol is very well integrated as well. Pricey, yes, but old Hampden like this is.

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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