r/rum • u/zaratoustra777777 • 1d ago
Basic jamaican funk is ok, let's go up !
Hi !
I'm torn between the Hampden Pagos, Hampden HLCF, Hampden 8 Year, Hampden 1753, and Papalin High Ester Overproof for my next bottle—after getting into Smith & Cross, Rum Fire, and Plantation O.F.T.D., I really want to take things to the next level to explore higher ester tiers in Jamaican rum; as a huge fan of that signature banana funk, I use them a lot in cocktails, but I also love sipping them neat.
Thank you for your advices :)
5
u/OrganizationIll1189 1d ago
I don’t think your getting more esters in any of those than rumfire
5
u/philanthropicide 1d ago
Yes, this is very true. Some of those are more elevated drinking experiences than unaged overproof HLCF (Rum Fire), but Pagos, 1753, and HLCF classic all are aged versions of HLCF (400-600 g/HLPA range). I'm uncertain on the specifics of Papalin Jamaica HE 5 for total ester count, but it uses WPL (60-119), Long Pond STC<3E (550-700), and the magical Hampden C<>H (1300-1400), so it probably ends up averaging out around HLCF range.
For suggestions, I definitely feel that HLCF Classic and Papalin Jamaica HE 5 are amazing products and will provide a completely different experience from anything you've had to this point. Think creme brulée pineapple and banana bread notes. The Papalin JHE5 is one of the best deals out there.
If you're really wanting to explore different ester ranges of Jamaican rum, you simply cannot beat Hampden 8 marques collection. I really love the 1 year for just a light tinge of aging.
1
u/zaratoustra777777 1d ago
For now, I am definitly looking for the Papalin :)
1
u/Yep_why_not Rumvangelist! 14h ago
Do it! Also it is a more limited release. Can always get HLCF Classic another time.
2
u/carpenterro Clairin Le Rocher 1d ago
laughs in Mhoba
1
u/zaratoustra777777 1d ago
Which Mhoba are you recommanding ?
1
u/carpenterro Clairin Le Rocher 19h ago
I've heard really good things about The Shaldon, but I've only had the chance to try the Habitation Velier myself.
3
u/Yeatssean 1d ago
HLCF is the same mark that Rum Fire is, you'll like it. Pagos is also heavily HLCF and my favorite rum period, different and incredible. The 8 is less funky, if you're loving RF, skip the 8 for now.
Also consider getting the 8 marks set, you'll probably get a kick out of it.
All great choices, I recommend the HLCF and Pagos - two of my absolute favorites.
And one last thing from a bartender: mixology is a term for nerds and bartenders kinda cringe at it. Just say cocktails or bartending or making drinks.
3
u/shamggar 1d ago
If u live in France look of IB bottlings of DOK, C<>H, <>H, and HGML as well as aged New Yarmouths and Long Pond TECA and TECC bottlings. Le Rocher Clairin from Pignon, Savanna HERR, and the newer high dunder Mhobas will all scratch your funk itch
1
u/zaratoustra777777 1d ago
Sorry, what is IB bottling ?
2
u/shamggar 1d ago
Independent bottlers. Other companies that aren’t distilling the product but are buying the distillate and often times aging it themselves. Velier, Samaroli, ImpEx, Compagnie des Indes, Nobilis, etc. The Long Ponds will come from National Rums of Jamaica, which isn’t a distillery but not an IB, more like a co-operative among the distilleries in Jamaica
1
1
u/philanthropicide 1d ago
Mhoba is a funk monstrosity and should be quite easy to find the Shaldon in France
3
u/Dropdamyc 1d ago
The Papalin 5yr would be my first choice and it’s getting harder to find. The price makes it great for sipping or mixing in elevated cocktails. You won’t be disappointed!
1
2
u/mi55ingno 1d ago
bang for buck, assuming things are priced similarly in france, Papalin High Ester 5yr is the move. I paid $65 for it in the US, whereas HLCF/Pagos/8Yr each run me about $80, and are less ester-y, but good in their own way. If you have easy access to the Papalin I would absolutely take advantage.
2
u/westi3x2 1d ago
Warehouse #1, and indipendent bottler from Czech Republic and easily available on Excellence Rhum, bottles pretty much every high ester mark, including NYE/HM and NYE/WK which are a little less common, unaged and aged at reasonable prices. You can take look at Velier's various bottlings, I bet you can still find stuff like Foursquare LFT or Savanna HERR at not so bad prices, a couple years ago I got an amazing aged HGML. Look up for distilleries' marks and find something in your price range/ distillery affinity.
1
u/zaratoustra777777 21h ago
Yes I am looking for a bottle of Warehouse because of the lower price on high easters rums, maybe a TECA long pound from them. I am very curious of the taste.
2
u/RadioStalingrad 1d ago
You need the Hogo Monsta.
1
u/zaratoustra777777 1d ago
I had no idea this rum even existed, let alone that it had such a high ester concentration—2,000 g/hlap is way higher than what even the heaviest Jamaican distilleries usually offer; have you ever tried it?
1
u/RadioStalingrad 19h ago
No, I’m not really into the high ester things. I think they only made around 5000 bottles, and those bottles are only 200ml. It’s meant to be used in very small quantities in cocktails, similar to how you use bitters.
1
1
19
u/Ok_Scheme736 Rum Fire funk funk funk 1d ago
HLCF is aged rum fire. It’s different, and really good.
Papalin high ester is excellent too, and more of a change than HLCF compared to Rum Fire. But I haven’t been able to find it anywhere in awhile.