Hamilton 86 Demerara

Absolutely incredible black rum. Bought this because I kept reading that it was a tiki bar staple and they weren't kidding. This black rum is bursting with sweet caramel & brown sugar notes that adds a wonderful depth of flavor to any cocktail. Its on the sweeter side (without being too sweet) but tastes much more bold and natural than other black rums. I would argue that this could be drank on its own. Will definitely be buying more of this.

This was my second Demerara rum after El Dorado 15. By comparison, this one is significantly less sweet and complex, but perhaps a bit more on the funky and smoky side. Great in a Dark & Stormy, so I’m hopeful it will work well in other cocktails too. Much easier to sip than expected, although not how I’d typically reach for it. Looking to explore this one a bit more...

This is a very rich, Carmel, oaky, sweet rum that’s the pinnacle of simple demerara rums. Well balanced and not over oaked like many

This rum sold me on Ed Hamilton. Rich and complex, it is great for sipping or mixing. Mild notes of smoke, toffee and tobacco... it’s worth coming back to again and again.

Heard everything from great sipper to super value. For me it is disappointing with a lack of body. As a sipper there is a lack of body with not true flavor signature, very one trick pony.

Mixed nice but does not stand out. Understand that this is a drier rum without any added sugars or flavorings but there just is not a lot of flavor.

Have not blended it yet and most say it is a great Tiki rum, hope so but again think it may get lost. As of now this will not be a stock item in my bar.

Awesome aroma, molasses, hints of cinnamon, caramel, dark fruit, soft warming alcohol. Very warming but fairly smooth for the heat. Smokiness in the flavor, molasses, woody. Perception of slight sweetness up front then drying and lightly bitter. Not a classic sipper but could do in a pinch with a cube of ice. The finish is long, lightly bitter and dry. Numbing from the alcohol with a hint of harshness. Great in a cocktail. Pure rum with no BS.

The Demerara barrels not as flavorful as I would have hoped. A bit too much afterburn for me. I'll try it in Tiki and reevaluate my rating.

Bar staple for tiki drinks & more. Excellent flavor, yet not overly sweet.

This rum was delicious! Very different from the other rums they have made in that it did not slap you upside your face. Started out very nice with a wonderful finish. Very easy to drink and left us wanting more.

Pretty heavy flavors up front, that wet dried fruit sugar flavor heads it off without being too sweet or fruity, and it leaves a nice, lingering ripe molasses aftertaste. Fine straight, but imagine this would go great with soda - flavored or plain. Also, great cocktail potential!