Nobilis Hampden No. 46 HD (13. German Rum Festival) H 2014

No. 46 is a single cask from Nobilis Rum, released for the 13th German Rum Festival and drawn from Hampden's H marque, distilled in 2014 and bottled at ten years old. Hampden is the reference point for high-ester Jamaican funk, and the H mark is a classic profile in that range; at full cask strength this is a heavyweight take on the festival favourite.

Distilled on the double-retort pot stills from molasses and matured in ex-bourbon oak, the cask asserts itself early before the fruit takes over. The nose is tropical fruit, ester, glue and pineapple; the palate carries ester, tropical fruit, overripe notes and pineapple, with a finish of overripe fruit, glue, ester and barrel. Bottled at a fierce 68.5%, its dosage is unconfirmed, so it is fairer to lead on the loud ester profile than to label it purity. A characterful, woodier 2014 H that rewards air and a few drops of water for experienced palates.