Review #: 397
Description: Hampden Great House 2021
Spirit: Rum
Background: Following up from the 2020 release, 2021 changes up the blend from 80/20 OWH/<>H to a 50/50 blend of LFCH and <>H. Not sure on age, so let’s just see how the taste changes.
Distillery – Hampden
Bottler – Hampden
Brand – Hampden
Selection – N/A
ABV – 55%
Age – NAS
Nose – Brighter and fruitier than 2020: red apple, funk is a bit more like a glue, dandelions, toffee, caramel, fruit tart, green melon
Taste – Strawberry, melon, caramel, cinnamon, buttery texture, wet soil
Finish – Bitter chocolate, watermelon rind, dandelion, light funk and earthy cinnamon linger on the tongue
Score: 9
Would I buy a bottle? Yes
Thoughts: I love that this is clearly different from the last release, but there are constants between the two. This one is a bit brighter and fruitier and not as hot on the finish. I think that allows it to get a few extra layers of complexity through. It’s a bit more delicate but doesn’t break. 2020 is a little more in your face and heavy with the sweetness. You can’t go wrong with either thought and under $100 they are great values in the rum world.