Hampden Estate Pagos Sherry Cask Rum 2023 Release

Taking its name from the Spanish word used to describe plots of vineyards in the Jerez area, Hampden Estate Pagos is the first bottling in the distillery’s history to be exclusively aged in sherry casks. Like the world’s most aromatic whiskies, such as those produced on Islay, the Jamaican rum embraces perfectly with the Andalusian wine’s notes of rancio without being overpowered by them, leading to a completely new profile of aromas.

Tasting notes:
Nose: Deep and rich. The first nose reveals notes of ylang-ylang, clove, artichoke, toasted walnut, blood orange, apricot stone and brandied cherry. On aeration, almonds settle on the surface of the aromatic palette. With time, emery cloth, camphor, sultanas, dates and a fine coffee liqueur take the palate back to Andalusia.

Palate: Lively and powerful. Cane sugar, chestnut honey and scents of tropical flowers dominates the palate. In the mid-palate, vanilla pods and cocoa beans coat the taste buds with their subtle tannins. The aftertaste is camphorated and heady (geranium).

Finish: Long and sharp. Infused with cane sugar flavours, the finish is refreshed by coconut milk and honeysuckle scents along with notes of varnish and mustard seeds. The aftertaste reveals notes of light tobacco, lime blossom, peppery rose and coriander. Scents of walnuts, dried grapes and dried straw mark the empty glass, taking us back to southern Spain.