The Whisky Jury Hampden The Ester Hunter (catch 1) <>H 2014 9yr 56,8%

"Very tasty typical Hampden nose lots of mango banana papaya and some marzipan/almond. Nice fruit esters . Alcohol very well integrated. On the palate Alcohol also relatively well integrated here. Mango pineapple papaya dominate, no surprises but for me very tasty and successful. Mai Tai test is still pending."

"#4910 25.10.2024 relaxing at home with this nice rum 😊 Nose Intense, light wood, ester, glue, spice, light pineapple, light anise, light banana, faint marzipan. Palate Intense, light wood, ester, light polish, light glue, light pineapple, banana, spice, light olive, light salty, medium dry, faint coffee. Finish Long and warm, light wood, faint smoke, ester, light polish, banana, light anise, faint coffee. The empty glass has a more fruity touch to it as well as faint caramel."

"The Ester Hunter, of course a clear ester bomb, I love that. Ester on the nose, of course, as well as tropical fruits like mango. The palate is also full of esters and tropical fruits such as banana, pineapple and passion fruit. Thanks again to Banana Joe for the great samples."

"8,5:On the nose, there is an ester bomb, full of fermented, overripe tropical fruits like banana, pineapple, papaya and medicinal notes like polish. We quickly receive pairing with vegetal side, with an olive. On the top, there is a honey glazure. When aired, roasted notes come out, molasses becomes stronger, we notice tempting notes of pastry, brioche, there is some yeast... Fruits are dried now, some citrus pops up after nice rest. 8,7:On the palate, the attack is fruity with fermented, overripe tropical fruits like maracuja, banana, pineapple, yellow fruits like mirabelle plum and a lot of spices-pepper.Fruits melt into the delicious marmelade, which is added to tasty brioches.The wood brings dryness and roasted notes, like nuts. Vegetal notes neutralize fruity sweetness, there is bitter olive, some mint, later flowery notes. Resting helps molasses to express itself in thick version, as the wood is a bit resinous with a pinch of a salt. 8,6:The finish is long and fruity, fermented, dry, there is some young wood, vegetal, citrus notes ending our tasting."

"another 2014 <>H, but with a significantly lower ABV than the previous ones I had in my glass (all 65+ %). The WJ doesn't come across as brute on the nose, which is also quite pleasant. In addition to fermented tropical fruits, there are also some creamy notes (butter cream, condensed milk). Relatively round on the palate, not quite as acidic as other high ester HDs. I quite like it!"

"Ester in Fett würde ich sagen. Sehr tolle Nase: butterig, tropische überreife Früchte, etwas Lösungsmittel. Im Mund dann junges Holz mit einer speziellen gerösteten Kaffebohne-Schokolade Note, die ich ganz geil finde. Kommt im Bouquet sehr gut. Super Trinkstärke auch. Einzig im Abgang leichte Imbalance durch eine Bitterkeit die mir nicht passt."

"So finally the Ester Hunter in the glass. On the nose directly with the typical Hampden profile for the Mark <>H. A tropical fruit cocktail that knows how to convince. Alcohol super integrated for me. No surprise, but no disappointment either. TWJ has started a nice new series. I'm looking forward to further releases."

"Ester Hunter: Ester strömt auf jedenfall am Anfang aus dem Glas, mit gelben Früchten. Rund und angenehm weich entfalten sich frucht, leichte lacknoten. Abgang ist relativ kurz und unspektakulär. Hätte mir ein wenig mehr power und süße erwartet. Aber angenehm zu trinken."

"An der Nase eine schöne esterlastige tropische Bombe…der Raum füllt sich sofort mit den klassischen Hampden-Aromen… Top! Am Gaumen kann er diesen starken Auftritt leider nicht so ganz halten… eine leichte Bitternote am Ende trübt das Bild etwas.. Und der Gaumen setzt diese negativen Weg fort..er wird relativ flach und kurz..(wohlgemerkt für einen High-Ester-Rum) , schade"

"Release 1 of the Ester Hunter series from The Whisky Jury. The alcohol is well integrated. Lots of tropical fruit, ester power, relatively low acidity. Fits seamlessly into the good 2014 Hampden vintage."

"Sehr schöner Hampden-Vertreter. Ester, tropische Früchte und Lack. Wie für das <>H-Mark typisch nicht zu überfordernd, sondern vergleichsweise „rund“ und mit leicht grüner Note. Spannend, dass der Rum so jung ist. Wäre spannend zu sehen, was aus diesem Fass hätte werden können."

"The nose promises lots of Jamaica .... esters, one after the other. Great fruit experience. Not quite as expected on the tongue. Quite nice and fruity and tasty, but not exceptional. The alcohol is well integrated."

"Leider geil: Schönes Esterbrett. Typische Hampden Noten (Lack, Ester, Ananas, gelbe Früchte). Ein Hauch Lebkuchenteig. Filigran? Gottseidank nicht. Ein Hampden, der richtig Spaß macht, wenn man auf Ester steht."

"Strong esteigerous nose. Very promising. Palate already very spicy. The name Ester behind it says it all. Nice strong finish. Not for beginners. Wonderful piece. I like it."