The Whisky Jury Hampden Jamaica Rum HD

 The balance was incredible. One of the best things (maybe the best one) in my glass during Salon du Rhum 2023. For me it’s hard to do better than this at this moment in my rum journey.

 Little 1990 C<>H cross-tasting with 2x RA, RC Ed. 5, TWJ and TRC. Off to a good start with high intensity on the nose and palate delivering on all the good stuff the vintage has to offer. Nice. Then there comes the twist. I honestly couldn’t believe my taste buds at first - but there definitely is some whisky (lightly peated notes as well) on the finish. This is not extremely overwhelming, but, as a non-whisky enthusiast, I don‘t really enjoy this twist… this would have been a perfectly fine (even great imo) bottling without adding the whisky finish/maturation (?). So this is clearly in the last place for me.

 Great nose with lots of freshness of ripe tropical and citrus fruits as well as sugary pastries and meringue. On the palate, the notes remain, but are flanked by a very present earthy note that reaches into the herbaceous and smoky. For me, this is somewhat disturbing, especially in comparison to other 1990 Hampdens, which are admittedly at an unusually high level.

 I can't understand the good reviews. A typically good Hampden on the nose and initially on the palate, but a peaty whisky note develops on the finish, which I don't like at all. Did it have a whisky finish? A real shame!

 Browsing a bit through the ratings upfront this one seems to be divided on a love it or hate it basis. And I love it a lot. Looking at the label this seems to be a C<>H and at 32 years of age a senior one. Still it reeks of ester on a juvenile level. It is fruity, some spices and the great funkiness you would expect. In addition there are nice herbal and earthy notes, almost smoky. The idea of an (short) Islay cask finish is not completely bogus but I doubt it. Overall there is almost no wood, which is a surprise at this age and especially with the stated STR. But let’s cut this one short, it is a really great Hampden, aged really well and one should try this, if ever possible. And I am out, enjoying the rest of my glass / bottle.

 Hm, for me it's over the top, even though it has some great notes to offer. The nose is good, it's great on the palate, but unfortunately it falls away in the finish. I find it particularly earthy and estery, with tropical fruits and a pleasant sweetness on the palate. I would have liked it better with a different finish, but I only find it good as it is. 78/100 or 5/10

 Peaty watery Hampden. This combination is weired.

 Lovely mix of fruity and dirty notes. The empy glass smells amazing!

 This is simply excellent. And even if I wouldn't purchase it (because of $$$ and the fact that I prefer different styles of rum) - I can't deny the quality and greatness. Crazy stuff. With this bottle in my hands, I would become a Jamaican. So Santa, if you're reading this, make a note.

 This rum is not my cup of tea. I admire people who give a grade above 9.