Tasting a really great single cask Hampden bottled exclusively for @the_rum_cartel by @lamaisonandvelier with an outturn of 380 bottles. The rum was double-aged for 8 years in total - 4 in the tropics in ex-bourbon casks, and 4 in the continental climate in ex-cognac casks.

(Image Source: @weixiang_liu)

Unlike many Hampdens out there, this one is much more forgiving on the nose, peckham pears, red apples, pineapples. Cutting through the sweetness are some light layers of savoury notes, slight brine and vinegar, but ever so lightly.

The palate is where this rum really shines. Even at 58.1% abv, the rum is so drinkable, smooth, creamy, and none of that heat. Immediately the cognac cask influence comes to the fore, sweet grapes, light spice, some dryness and oak, but gentle on the palate. You get the sense that some of that Jamaican funk is trying to peek through in the finish, but is kept in check by sweet vanilla notes, more pears, and a long elegant finish marked by the cognac influence again.

For me, this Hampden bottling ticks all of my boxes. Its a fruit bomb sans the overpowering funk! I also do believe that the equal parts of tropical and continental aging were instrumental in giving this rum a unique and beautiful balance. Looking forward to more bottlings by Rum Cartel!

Your occasional rum addict!

@weixiang_liu