Hamilton False Idol 151

Another winner from Hamilton. This one is what I've come to expect from this bottler, a high-quality project through-and-through. I tasted this alongside its sibling (Hamilton 151) and have experimented with it in a number of mixed drinks so far.

It's quite smooth for a 151 rum (a little bit smoother than it's sibling), and has an ever-so subtle funk to it, courtesy of the 15% of its makeup that comes from Worthy Park in Jamaica.

My only hangup with this rum is that it feels that it doesn't really have a purpose. Alongside Hamilton 151, it's not really that much different, as I suspect the 85% of the makeup is virtually identical. I'm not going to sip this one straight, which means it's on hand to be a mixer, but when used as a mixer, it's almost always in combination with other rums, where I tend to throw a Jamaican in there, rendering the small portion of it that adds a bit of funk somewhat redundant.

So, while it's a great product, like everything else that Hamilton makes, it's slightly outclassed by its own sibling & I just don't see this one being repurchased when I run out.

I have been using the Hamilton Demerara 151, but decided to try the False Idol as it is a blend with a little Jamaican rum (which I love). It does have a little of the Jamaican taste, but it is much, much smoother than the Demerara. I only bought this as it was the only Hamilton 151 the store had on hand, but I think I have found a new favorite. It is still strong, and will knock you socks off, but nice smooth taste.