Hamilton Demerara 151 Overproof Rum. Demerara Distillers Limited, Diamond Distillery, Guyana curated by Ed Hamilton as the definitive substitute for the discontinued Lemon Hart 151, a blend of aged pot still and column still rums from DDL’s historic wooden stills, bottled at 75.5% ABV with no added sugar or additives.

When Lemon Hart 151 disappeared from the market, bartenders and tiki enthusiasts faced a crisis: the entire category of classic overproof Demerara rum essential to dozens of authentic mid-century tiki recipes had effectively vanished. Ed Hamilton, the Minister of Rum, created this expression specifically to fill that gap. He sources the same DDL distillate used for Hamilton Demerara 86, but bottles it at the original 151 proof where the smoky tobacco character of the Guyanese wooden stills is fully expressed.

The rum is a blend of aged pot and continuous column still rums from Diamond Distillery, aged up to five years, imported at cask strength, and bottled by Five & 20 Spirits in Westfield, NY without sugar, sweeteners, or additives of any kind. At 151 proof, it is not designed for sipping neat it is a professional mixing tool, built to survive citrus, syrups, and spice in complex tiki builds and to float dramatically on top of shorter drinks. For many seasoned bartenders, it is not merely a substitute for Lemon Hart 151: it is a genuine improvement.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Intense molasses and burnt caramel, with dark stone fruit, smoky wood, and tobacco. The proof amplifies the Demerara character rich and assertive, best approached with dilution or as a cocktail component.
• Palate: Rich flavors of dark stone fruit, smoky wood, burnt cane, brown sugar, and spice. The wooden still character is unmistakable earthy, tobacco-forward, with underlying dried fruit depth. Powerful warmth from the 151 proof.
• Finish: Dry and earthy, with tobacco fading last alongside a slight mineral quality. Long and assertive.

Specs

• Distillery: Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Diamond Distillery, Guyana
• Curator: Ed Hamilton, Ministry of Rum
• Style: Overproof Demerara Rum
• Aging: Up to 5 years (same base blend as Hamilton 86)
• No added sugar, no additives.
• ABV: 75.5% (151 Proof)
• Size: 750ml

Browse our full selection of rum at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Hamilton 151 a substitute for Lemon Hart 151? It was created specifically for that purpose and for many bartenders and rum experts, it has surpassed the original. It uses the same DDL source distillery, the same Demerara wooden still character, and the same 151 proof. Many tiki professionals now consider it the standard for the category.
• What cocktails use 151-proof Demerara rum? The Zombie (Don the Beachcomber’s original recipe calls for it), the 151 Swizzle, the Jet Pilot, the Bumbo, and many other classic tiki builds. The high proof allows the rum to cut through sugar syrups, citrus, and other strong flavors while maintaining its Demerara character.
• Can I drink Hamilton 151 neat? At 75.5% ABV it is not recommended neat without significant dilution. It is a professional cocktail ingredient, not a sipping rum. Even a small amount (half an ounce) carries enormous flavor and heat in a cocktail.
• How does it differ from the Hamilton Demerara 86? Same base blend, different proof. The 151 amplifies everything more Demerara character, more smokiness, more tobacco, more intensity. Use 86 for everyday cocktails and sipping; use 151 for traditional tiki recipes that specifically call for overproof Demerara.
• Is the DDL molasses unusual? Yes DDL uses Guyanese molasses with approximately 65% dissolved sugar content, among the highest of any Caribbean molasses. This high-sugar base gives DDL rums an unusual depth and richness that contributes to the distinctive treacle character of Hamilton Demerara expressions.

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