Overview
Brand: Hampden Estate
Origin: Hampden Estate, Wakefield, Trelawny Parish, Jamaica
Still: Pot
Age: NAS
Finish: ex-Sherry
ABV: 52%
Not counting Hampden Estate's reformulation of Overproof into the HLCF Classic, it's been a minute since we've gotten a new core expression from the beloved distillery. That's why I'm excited for Hampden Estate Pagos and its arrival to the US market.
Pagos is unique among Hampden's lineup, as it's the only expression that is matured in a cask other than ex-bourbon: the full maturation was done in casks that previously held Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry. The following is a quote from the Pagos technical sheet:
Through a very special partnership with Bodegas Lustau, founded in 1896 and one of the leading producers in Jerez, Hampden Estate has secured access to top quality casks used to age the best Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherries.
At 467.9 g/hlAA, this sits at the lower end of HLCF marque territory, which ranges 400-600 g/hLAA.
Appearance
Orange-brown, medium viscosity
Nose
Strawberries, canteloupe, prunes, Pinot noir, baked cranberries, pink Starburst
Palate
Red grapes, black cherries, strawberries, grapefruit, prunes, molasses
Finish
Long, warming, fruity; oak, sour red grapes, prunes, cranberries, over-ripened strawberries
Rating: 7/10
Summary
Pagos is a really fun "what if?" rum, and one that I'm excited is a part of their core lineup. The sherry cask is unmistakeable but not overpowering, and the Hampden profile stands up well to the combined character of the oloroso and Pedro Ximenez varietals.
Red fruits abound throughout the experience, with strawberries, prunes, cranberries, grapefruit, and black cherries coming through at different points. The sherry maturation is noticeable by a Pinot noir aroma, carrying forth the notes of deep, dark, fruity wine. Otherwise, canteloupe and pink Starburst candy comes through on the nose, with a long, warming, and fruity finish brings the addition of oak and some modified versions of grape and strawberry notes.
It's funky, fruity, and has the distinct musty wine note one would expect from a sherry-finish, but amped up to 11. That is to say, if you aren't a fan of sherry aging, this may not be for you. While I really enjoy Pagos, it isn't a bottle I reach for regularly.