u/itsomeoneperson

Before I continue down my Jamaican funk journey, I got a bottle of Smith & Cross and found the undertones of the funk to remind me alot of Scotch. Either the peat or the malted barley flavor i'm not sure. I was wondering if the Hampden "muck pits" could have a similiar profile to Scotlands Peat Bogs. Or if maybe it being bottled in London picked up peat smells from the bottling location? In any case, I very much don't like the flavor that I asociate with Scotch and now also possibley Hampden rums as well.
(or are they finished in scotch barrels maybe?)

Any insight is much appreciated, thanks

(for further context, I find the more subtle gluey funk from Appleton to much more enjoyable, and not scotch like at all)

Are they actually legit the same thing with different websites and UI's or are there any actual differences?

It seemed like a reasonable price at MSRP so I ordered one with my latest haul. Little did I know until now it's an 8000 bottle collectors thing.

I love my Appleton 8 and 12, I'm not even sure what to expect, like my cask strength bourbons but Smith and Cross for example is nasty ass stuff to me lol.

I'm hoping this is something more palatable than Hampden stuff but a bit more fruity funky and higher proof than Appleton. So far Appleton 8 has my preferred funk level.

What can I expect if I open it, and should I even open it? What does a bottle like this end up going for down the line?

in Canada it used to be the other way around, but now I keep seeing Rare Breed be $20 more than the Knob

Im in Quebec and need my fav Bourbons. If there are better sites let me know.

For context my fav is Rare Breed, and Knob Single Barrel is right behind.

I see both these on a good discount. But I havent had the regular 9 in a decade, and I've never had Russells. Objectivley I would prioritize the higher proof on Knob over the 1 extra year of age on the Russell's. For example Eagle Rare taste is also slightly underwhelming for me at 45%. But I do like Rare Breed a lil more than Single Barrel (if that even can apply here)
I also actually dont like WT101 even tho I love Rare Breed.
Knob is also 5 bucks cheaper if that helps.

I've always loved Appleton 12 and the 8 years is probably even better. But I want something with more alcohol and more flavor. I'm used to cask strength bourbon. I have a bottle of Smith & Cross and it's alright but cant compete with Appleton on flavor profile. It's probably too young or too ester-y or both.
Any recommendations appreciated, it doesnt have to be Jamaican. But I do tend to like sweet, rich, fruity and cinnamon. I like that Jamaican glue smell but not too much, Appleton Signature is too gluey, 12 years is not gluey enough, 8 year is perfect. Smith and Cross was way too funky for me on a new bottle, but after a year of calming down it's quite nice.

Thanks for the help

I'd love a more premium and cut Glencairn, however I'm seeing mixed reviews about it. Some liking the lip more, some like it less. Some say its more durable some say its less durable. How is it really?
One thing I notice that bothers me about it is the cut design is a little too high like you have to overpour to get the effect properly.

My favourites are Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Alberta Premium Cask Strength, Even Williams, and I also really like Appleton Estate 8 and 12 years.

The Appleton's are lower proof than I'd like, and Alberta Premium is a great substitute for bourbon although kind of expensive.

What should I try based on my preferences?
I don't like scotch funk or jamaican funk, I just like a clean tasting sweet with some spice type profile. Higher proof the better.

I like my cask strength whiskys and rums but I'm not usually into unaged stuff. I'm also not that fond of funks. But extreme fruityness does sound pretty great.
For example I don't really like Smith & Cross Navy Proof because it tastse like scotch to me, all funky like.
But I do want something super fruity, and most rums are way too underproofed for me.

As for cocktails, will it still be very funky when mixed? Or does the fruit shine more in a cocktail?