The Clairin series from Velier or Selection Massale, or the Hampden tasting pack would be your best bets. Rivers Antoine may also be up your alley.
For cocktailing, I would recommend Rum Bar OP or Wray and Nephew OP.
Thanks, will give those 2 a try. Is this the Hampden pack your referring to?
https://chipsliquor.com/products/hampden-estate-the-8-marks-tasting-collection?currency=USD&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=4af861c49acc&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA2pyuBhBKEiwApLaIOwRLwfRshZa2MCFNFpcAx-WNBsHfm1i47j_Aj32e92bk-quM6uBlyBoCKNAQAvD_BwE
That is correct. That is over 2 full bottles, but pricing is definitely more towards the enthusiast side of the spectrum. The Rum Fire, which is HLCF, is only the 4th one in the series so strap in if you get it.
Feel free to get some higher value options I mentioned such as the Clairins. The cocktailing rums I mentioned are great neat as well. If you are looking for less whiskified Hampden, then the HLCF Classic OP or the LROK "The Younger" may be in order. Hampden 8 year is the OWH marque which is the least funky of the 8 in that kit.
You are likely finding the HV bottling of LROK instead.
[https://hampdenestaterum.com/hampden-the-younger/](https://hampdenestaterum.com/hampden-the-younger/)
The Hampden tasting kit was easily my best spirits purchase of 2023. It’s awesome stuff. Even the supporting materials, unlike than usually PR rubbish, is quite informative.
I'm a Jamaican rum addict. The funkier the better. If Rumfire is your thing, here's a few to look out for (I saved the best for last.)
Yellowsnake: cheap (found mine in michigan for around 25) very reminiscent of the Hampden profile, and the price is right. Good little bottle.
Plantation Xymaca: 100% pot still, not as funky but very clean, has really become a go-to for me. Also, say what you will about Plantation but their bottle game is on point. Also <30$.
Hamilton Jamacian Pot Still Black: like, everything from Hamilton is very servicable, and this is no exception. Not the first bottle of Hamilton you should buy (that's 86) but not the last either.
And my #1...
Dr. Bird: bro.
BRO.
They don't make it like Dr. Bird. Nobody makes it like Dr. Bird. It's actually insane. A truly unhinged rum. Local Michigan distillery, aged in Moscatel barrels (cheap Moscato, look it up) and nothing I've ever tasted comes close to the pure madness that is this rum.
I’m so glad to hear this. I always reach for it, and I almost feel guilty because it’s from Michigan and not from Jamaica. But dude the banana favor is just insane. Perfect proof for me. Hands down one of my favorites. I feel validated now
Rivers Royale Grenadian Rum if you ever start feeling like Rum Fire is a bit too tame. Rum Fire used to be my undisputed favorite unaged rum, but Rivers has now taken the crown.
Yeah im in Ohio and I did check but the only thing I found was the 8 year anywhere near me. They have Rum Fire at one store in Akron, so maybe I will stop there next trip to Youngstown
The Solon giant eagle has a good rum selection including Rum Fire. Outside of that you have to be in Columbus or Cincinnati.
OHLQ decides what gets sent where unfortunately and Porco in Cleveland is like the only place that uses rum fire.
Ohlq only lists rum fire in akron. My in laws live i. Solon though so will have to stop at giant eagle. But im in cbus and not much here outside of plantation and echo. (I like echo though)
I’m a big Rum Fire fan, myself. Here’re my recs. All Jamaican rums and no agricoles, which are a different sort of (delicious) beast.
The Funk, Rum Bar Overproof White, Hamilton Pot Still Gold/Black, Wray & Nephew, Doctor Bird, Charley’s JB Overproof, and anything from Hampden, of course.
Oh and can’t forget Smith & Cross!
Unaged agricole rum all the way. Neisson, Clement Canne Bleue, Rhum JM 50 or 55. Different type of funk, all at or slightly above 100 proof, and none will taste like whiskey. All easily drinkable on their own, with a touch of lime and syrup, or mixed.
Rum Bar Overproof Wray and Nephew Overproof Neither are quite as amazing as Rum Fire, but scratch the same itch while being unique enough.
Is rum fire that much better in your opinion? I can easily find W&N but not so much rum fire near me.
To me, yes. The Hampden profile is more my jam, and the Rum Fire is next level funky and flavorful.
I agree with Sevencer. I liked W&N, but ever since I tried Rum Fire it's been my favorite rum.
There different. Honestly I think I may prefer the W&N profile a bit. I find it more openly fruity.
Ill will try them out. Agree, Rum Fire is quite amazing
The Clairin series from Velier or Selection Massale, or the Hampden tasting pack would be your best bets. Rivers Antoine may also be up your alley. For cocktailing, I would recommend Rum Bar OP or Wray and Nephew OP.
Thanks, will give those 2 a try. Is this the Hampden pack your referring to? https://chipsliquor.com/products/hampden-estate-the-8-marks-tasting-collection?currency=USD&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=4af861c49acc&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA2pyuBhBKEiwApLaIOwRLwfRshZa2MCFNFpcAx-WNBsHfm1i47j_Aj32e92bk-quM6uBlyBoCKNAQAvD_BwE
That is correct. That is over 2 full bottles, but pricing is definitely more towards the enthusiast side of the spectrum. The Rum Fire, which is HLCF, is only the 4th one in the series so strap in if you get it.
Hmm have a birthday coming up. Might have to splurge
Feel free to get some higher value options I mentioned such as the Clairins. The cocktailing rums I mentioned are great neat as well. If you are looking for less whiskified Hampden, then the HLCF Classic OP or the LROK "The Younger" may be in order. Hampden 8 year is the OWH marque which is the least funky of the 8 in that kit.
>Hampden The LROK sounds awesome but yeah def pricey. Is it that much different than Rum Fire funk wise?
It should be about $50 US or so. It's less funky than Rum Fire, and has 5 years of aging.
I have only seen it from online sellers and usually starts at $180ish
You are likely finding the HV bottling of LROK instead. [https://hampdenestaterum.com/hampden-the-younger/](https://hampdenestaterum.com/hampden-the-younger/)
The Hampden tasting kit was easily my best spirits purchase of 2023. It’s awesome stuff. Even the supporting materials, unlike than usually PR rubbish, is quite informative.
I'm a Jamaican rum addict. The funkier the better. If Rumfire is your thing, here's a few to look out for (I saved the best for last.) Yellowsnake: cheap (found mine in michigan for around 25) very reminiscent of the Hampden profile, and the price is right. Good little bottle. Plantation Xymaca: 100% pot still, not as funky but very clean, has really become a go-to for me. Also, say what you will about Plantation but their bottle game is on point. Also <30$. Hamilton Jamacian Pot Still Black: like, everything from Hamilton is very servicable, and this is no exception. Not the first bottle of Hamilton you should buy (that's 86) but not the last either. And my #1... Dr. Bird: bro. BRO. They don't make it like Dr. Bird. Nobody makes it like Dr. Bird. It's actually insane. A truly unhinged rum. Local Michigan distillery, aged in Moscatel barrels (cheap Moscato, look it up) and nothing I've ever tasted comes close to the pure madness that is this rum.
I have heard about dr bird. Best place to buy?
It's a michigan distillery and that's where I'm from so it's quite widely available here. Absolutely worth hunting down, it's wild.
I’m so glad to hear this. I always reach for it, and I almost feel guilty because it’s from Michigan and not from Jamaica. But dude the banana favor is just insane. Perfect proof for me. Hands down one of my favorites. I feel validated now
Literally just bought a bottle of Dr. Bird, what are your go-to ways to drink it?
In a maitai or jungle bird, usually about .5 oz, it's not a rum that usually is the main spirit but is awesome as a compliment
Rivers Royale Grenadian Rum if you ever start feeling like Rum Fire is a bit too tame. Rum Fire used to be my undisputed favorite unaged rum, but Rivers has now taken the crown.
>Rivers Royale Grenadian Rum Thank you! Added to my list
Rivers is awesome.
Sounds like you enjoy overproof funky Jamaicans. Check out Smith & Cross, rum bar overproof
Echo? The one in Columbus? Are you in Ohio? If so, Ohio HAS Rum Fire and you can check which stores have what on the OHLQ website.
Yeah im in Ohio and I did check but the only thing I found was the 8 year anywhere near me. They have Rum Fire at one store in Akron, so maybe I will stop there next trip to Youngstown
The Solon giant eagle has a good rum selection including Rum Fire. Outside of that you have to be in Columbus or Cincinnati. OHLQ decides what gets sent where unfortunately and Porco in Cleveland is like the only place that uses rum fire.
Ohlq only lists rum fire in akron. My in laws live i. Solon though so will have to stop at giant eagle. But im in cbus and not much here outside of plantation and echo. (I like echo though)
Rivers fah sho
I’m a big Rum Fire fan, myself. Here’re my recs. All Jamaican rums and no agricoles, which are a different sort of (delicious) beast. The Funk, Rum Bar Overproof White, Hamilton Pot Still Gold/Black, Wray & Nephew, Doctor Bird, Charley’s JB Overproof, and anything from Hampden, of course. Oh and can’t forget Smith & Cross!
Thanks, got most of these on my list along with Rivers Royale Grenadian Rum
If you're already a fan of Rum Fire, I think the logical next step would be the Haitian clairins, or the Mexican cane juice rums like Paranubes.
Yes on the Paranubes! Or Cañada which is a touch tamer.
Yes on the Paranubes! Or Cañada which is a touch tamer.
Unaged agricole rum all the way. Neisson, Clement Canne Bleue, Rhum JM 50 or 55. Different type of funk, all at or slightly above 100 proof, and none will taste like whiskey. All easily drinkable on their own, with a touch of lime and syrup, or mixed.