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.

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

I bought a bottle of this a couple of years ago because I just love demerara rums. At that time, I was put off by it's lack of overpowering sweetness that I had been accustomed to. So after finding out that this is one of the six essential rums for tiki drinks by the great Beachbum Berry, I read all of the reviews here for this one. Being that is was only $27 and readily available, I picked up a bottle with no regrets.

The nose has medium alcohol vapors along with the sweet demerara sugar. On the palate is pure demerara sugar with quite a burn at 86 proof and not being overly sweet. I would call this one as semi-dry. The after burn is rather bitter, which is okay because this rum was never meant to be a neat sipper. I will gladly drink it on the rocks or in exotic tiki drinks which is highly suggested.

43% ABV. Aged up to 5 years. Rich nose—though not as big, say, Foursquare Port. Slightly astringent. Caramel, hint of funk. Chocolate. Charcoal. I'm pretty sure I'm picking up some Port Mourant here. Lively palate. Stone fruit. Touch of vanilla. Shortish finish on the palate, though it does stay in your throat for a while. Empty glass smells a little like maple.

It's no long-aged rum. But it's not a nice, big nose, a rich flavor, maybe just a little coloring added. Phenomenal for exotic cocktails, as are most Hamilton offerings. A good, honest rum at a fair price. A better, dryer mixer than ED 12 or 15; comparable to ED 5 or 8, but I'd choose Hamilton any day.

Note that this is the same rum as Hamilton 151, just watered down to a more standard mixing proof.

7+

This is a great tiki mixer. Cut grass, molasses and licorice. Dry which is perfect for keeping the ‘sweet’ down. The proof is spot on and comes through.
Perfect for those that like their tropical floating cocktails on the dry side.

A dark and heavy rum, thick and sweet smoky flavour, and a nice long aftertaste. I didn't love it at first, it took a few tries before I enjoyed it properly.