Hampden Estate HLCF Classic 4 Year Old Jamaican Rum (700ml)

"...young Ardbeg in Jamaica." - whiskyfun.com

HLCF stands for "Hampden Light Continental Flavored", and is one of the marks that are produced at Hampden Estate for those rums with a high concentration of esters, i.e. from 400 to 700 gr / hlpa - depending on your source. Despite its potency, the profile here is relatively relaxed. Fruit-forward in the initial inhalations, moving from ripe papaya to overripe bananas, countered by a bitter dark chocolate note, the theme continues in a supple delivery with an unmistakably Jamaican stamp; dried pineapple, mango chews, pepper heat and a mild spike of alcohol are followed by residual notes of candle wax and struck match as well as more creamy mango and 'funk' that serves to heighten the experience. Fully tropically aged for four years with nothing added before bottling at 60%, it's another wonderfully expressive Hampden that resonates a sense of place. Very limited stocks.

Other reviews... There used to be an excellent 7 yo 'Overproof' at 60% vol. but it looks like this new one's lost any age statements. (UPDATE it's a 4 yo 2017). HLCF means 500-700 grams esters per HLPA. Colour: white wine. Nose: once again, this has far more brine and acetone, more earth as well, olive oil, tarragon, a really salty and acidic style on the nose but at 60% it's hard to get a proper full picture. With water: a lovely earthiness and some big rubber. New wellies, all sizes, plus touches of strawberry gums, a thing that's related to some yeasts and that would go away over the years, I've been told. Nutshell, pears and strawberries mean really young spirit. Mouth (neat): very pungent, very salty, with echoes of the most extreme finos de Jerez. With water: pure brine, liquorice, lemon and tar, perhaps a little minimalistic but we do enjoy Bauhaus sprits. Finish: long and even saltier. Rubbery signature, with tinned anchovies. Comments: young Ardbeg in Jamaica. 87 points - whiskyfun.com