Hamilton Demerara 86
The Verdict
Ed Hamilton’s line of rums exists specifically for cocktails, and the Demerara 86 exemplifies this philosophy. It’s rich, it’s versatile, and it’s exactly what many classic tiki recipes are calling for when they say “Demerara rum.”
Tasting Notes
Nose: Dark sugar, caramel, and molasses dominate. There’s also dried fruit, particularly raisins and figs. A hint of tobacco and leather.
Palate: Rich and almost chewy. That Demerara character—deep, dark sugar notes—comes through immediately. Brown butter, toffee, dried fruit, and baking spices. There’s a pleasant earthiness that grounds everything.
Finish: Medium length with lingering molasses and spice.
In Cocktails
This is a tiki workhorse. Navy Grog? Perfect. Zombie? Essential. Any drink that calls for a rich, dark rum, this delivers. The 86 proof is just right—strong enough to make its presence known, not so strong that it needs careful measuring. It plays well with others, adding depth without dominating.
The Hamilton Philosophy
Ed Hamilton bottles these rums specifically for bartenders and serious home enthusiasts. They’re not fancy bottles with marketing budgets. They’re just good rum at fair prices, spec’d for classic cocktail recipes. The Demerara 86 embodies this perfectly.