Overview

Brand: Hamilton, Ministry of Rum series

Origin: Diamond Distillery, Diamond, Guyana; Worthy Park, Lluidas Vale, Saint Catherine Parish, Jamaica

Still: Pot & Column Blend

Age: NAS

Finish: ex-Bourbon*

ABV: 57%

For the second-to-last entry in our Hamilton Week journey, we're taking a look at a tried-and-true cocktailing ingredient, specifically targeting the segment of tiki drinks that needs a higher proof, but not something as heavy as a 151º.

Hamilton 114 Navy Strength is a blend of Jamaican and Demerara rums, proofed to 57% ABV; this is traditionally referred to as "Navy Strength", although there is some debate over the accuracy of this percentage. 40% of the blend is Jamaican rum, and the remaining 60% is Demerara rum, indicating a blend of pot & column production. There is no age statement, but it's possible some of this blend was aged for some amount of time.

Appearance

Dark orange, medium-low viscosity

Nose

Molasses, rotten banana peels, prunes, brown sugar, dates

Palate

Molasses, rotten banana peels, caramelized pineapple, vanilla, brown sugar, prunes, hint of grape popsicle

Finish

Long, warm, spiced; molasses, vanilla, tobacco leaves, prunes, spice blend (cinnamon, nutmeg, black peppercorns)

Rating: 7/10

Summary

Hamilton's 114 proof Navy Strength blend is an enjoyable one; it hits a lot of the highlights of other "navy style" rums, while offering none of the overt sweetness that is sometimes present.

The nose and finish are very squarely placed in the camp of the Demerara component, with molasses, brown sugar, dark dry fruits, spices, and even some tobacco popping through. Common Jamaican rum flavors ike banana and pineapple appear on the palate, joined in a balanced array of flavors echoing the aromatic notes.

This is an excellent blend that will add an extra "oomph" to your next tiki- or simply rum-based– cocktail, at a great value.

Further Reading

*When the type cask used for aging is not specified, we make an educated guess that it is an ex-Bourbon cask as most aged rums utilize this barrel type.