Hampden Estate Pagos 100% Ex-Sherry Cask Rum

Hampden Estate Pagos, a 100% ex-Sherry cask rum, hails from the renowned Hampden Estate in Trelawny, Jamaica, a distillery celebrated for its high-ester, pot-still rums since 1753. Pagos, meaning "sherry vineyard" in Spanish, represents a collaboration with Bodegas Lustau, marking Hampden's first foray into full sherry cask maturation. While Hampden itself is an old classic, this particular expression is a newer innovation, showcasing the distillery's willingness to explore different aging profiles while maintaining their signature bold and funky character.

Hampden Estate Pagos, fully matured in ex-sherry casks, offers a fascinating interplay of Jamaican rum funk with rich, nutty, and dried fruit notes from the sherry influence. Think ripe banana, molasses, and a touch of that characteristic Hampden aromatic intensity, now mingling with hints of raisins, figs, and warm spices. This unique profile makes it a standout sipper for those who appreciate complex craft spirits and adds a distinctive depth to spirit-forward cocktail ingredients in your home bar, particularly shining in an Old Fashioned or a refined Mai Tai, where its robust character can truly sing. Consider it a bold and intriguing addition from Anders Erickson's curated Bitter Bear spirits selection.

Expect initial rich, musky aromas of tropical fruit like mango and passion fruit, mingling with chocolate and a hint of wax. The palate is lively, revealing notes of cane sugar, clove, and a touch of anise, balanced by vanilla and cocoa. It finishes long and balanced with lingering cocoa, citrus, and warm spice.