Hampden HLCF Classic Overproof is a Jamaican molasses rum made with the HLCF mark (Hampden Light Continental Flavoured). The mark refers to the intensity of the rum and its production method. This cuvée boasts 476.9 grams of volatile substances per hectoliter of pure alcohol.
It is produced using methods that have been used since the 18th century in the Trelawny region in the north of the island. The molasses undergoes a very long, natural, wild fermentation before being distilled in a double retort copper still. The rum is aged for 4 years on site in oak barrels. The distillery then carries out a slight reduction with spring water before bottling, without adding sugar or coloring agents.
Nico's tasting notes
On the nose, the distillery's typical fruity intensity goes hand in hand with a less usual vanilla sweetness. A handful of orange peel joins jackfruit and pineapple to give us some pastry highlights.
Aeration reveals the heart of the rum, which also takes the opportunity to perfume the room. The heart is sweet and creamy, ever more pastry-like, with almond milk infused with cherry stones. Of course, the warmly tropical atmosphere is still the order of the day, with the many exotic fruits brimming with powerful aromas.
On the palate, the rum earns its overproof stripes and conquers the palate in the blink of an eye. Its spicy, coppery edge warms the taste buds to a white, delivering intense kernels and incandescent almonds. The almond milk and exotic fruit compote quickly soften all this, while adding a beautiful substance.
The finish is pastry-like, with candied fruit and kirsch-soaked frangipane.
"A rum concentrate that doesn't go overboard, but nevertheless manages to be quite gourmand..."
By comparison, the previous version, Hampden Overproof 60°, was lighter, with medicinal accents and a drier character. It was less greedy and pastry-like, so spice and roast were more prominent.
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