Review: Hampden LROK NY Edition
Hampden LROK NY Edition 9 yr. - 59%
I've wondered lately whether I should just stop formally sharing notes on Hampdens I try (I do still have one more coming). Everything I've tried from the distillery (other than the 80 proof Hampden Estate Gold) has been predictably well received. There's a distinct distillery profile that, while it always plays exciting in the glass, starts to feel unfairly familiar on the page. I think after the next review I'll take a break from the notes and just enjoy my time in the glass with these.
This release was a tough get - LROK mark, single cask (N. 327) with an outturn of 267 bottles. The LROK mark positions it as one of the lighter styles Hampden produces (200-400 ester count) which is fine by me. I've found myself gravitating to more balanced presentations from the distillery as opposed to the palate bending, higher ester marks that used to get me excited (C<> H).
Note: Plenty of the brine, overripe tropical fruits, glue, rubbers, and meaty notes I Iove from Hampden. But there's also something herbal and vegetal pushing through that almost invokes agave notes. Fun change of pace. The pour is structured long and horizontally expansive on the palate, but doesn't play the vertical axis as much as I've come to expect. It's a gentler Hampden in that way.
Score: 7 (Highly Recommend) Really enjoyed this ride, but not regretting the empty bunker.
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour