Hampden Estate is far more than just a name on a label: it is first and foremost a place steeped in history. In the heart of the island, surrounded by nature with rare birds and wild animals, visitors arriving at Hampden Estate could almost believe they have gone back in time: facing the long alley of palm trees that leads to the distillery, it literally seems as though nothing has changed since the 18th century… Hampden Estate is one of the only Jamaican distilleries that has never stopped operating for more than two centuries: the years have gone by, its owners have succeeded one another, but its philosophy has always remained
unchanged.

The earliest written record mentionning Hampden Estate dates back to 1753. At that time, the estate was owned by a family of Scottish origin, the Stirlings, who were cane growers, sugar and rum producers. By 1767, Hampden Estate was already producing over 50,000 litres of rum a year, mainly for export to England and Scotland. One hundred years later, the estate was bought by George McFarquhar Lawson, who introduced a unique method of production. It gave birth to the most aromatic rums in the world, the Trelawny Rums, named after the region surrounding the estate. Developed in 1852, this style of production became a veritable trademark for Jamaican rum.

The Lawson family remained the owners of Hampden Estate until 2002. After being bought by the Jamaican government, the cane exploitation ceased its activities in 2003. The distillery continued to export its rum, but always in bulk. In 2009, the Hussey family bought the estate with the strong desire to preserve its ancestral production methods. They decided, for the first time in the history of the distillery, to age casks on site with the idea of creating the first official bottling. In 2018, the first bottles of aged rum bearing the name of Hampden Estate were finally exported, 265 years after the creation of the estate, and became proud ambassadors of the unique production methods used at the distillery since 1753.

Hampden Estate is one of only 2 remaining independent distilleries in Jamaica and is often considered to be of the best in the world. Its authentic approach, both demanding and traditional, gives birth to the singular and artisanal philosophy that makes a great rum. Often compared to the best whiskies and eaux-de-vie, Hampden Estate rums are distilled in small batches in copper pot stills, just like the best single malts or the greatest vintage Cognacs.

In 2009, Hampden Estate entered a new era: for the first time in its long history, the distillery began to age its own rums on site, in order to bottle them in house. These now proudly display their full name: Hampden Estate’s official bottlings have truly become must-haves for all rum lovers. A preserved ancestral method and total transparency on natural raw materials naturally give birth to an exceptional rum.

The classification invented by Luca Gargano, a world-renowned expert in the world of rum, is based on the different ingredients and distillation
methods used to make sugar cane-based spirits. The rums produced at Hampden Estate are made from molasses and are distilled in copper pot stills, which defines them as Pure Single Rums. A preserved
ancestral method and total transparency on natural raw materials can only give birth to an exceptionnal rum.

Hampden Estate 8 Years Old is the emblematic reference of the range, embodying the aromatic complexity for which the distillery is famous. It proves to be ideal when tasted pure as well as for mixology.

This 8-year-old rum is all about softness, voluptuousness and tropical notes. It integrates perfectly in many cocktails recipes and can also be enjoyed dry. Reduced to 46%, its elegant nose evokes aromas of banana, melon, chilli pepper, dried orange peel, caramelized apple and candied watermelon. Smooth, dry and intense, its light touches of spices and its very delicate smoky taste bring notes of ginger, vanilla, dried black cherry, praline and resin to the palate, as well as slight bitterness reminiscent of dark chocolate and coffee. Its long and complex finish is rich and tasty.

For its part, Hampden Estate Overproof stands out for its powerful and uncompromising profile, making it a particularly suitable choice for connoisseurs and purists who appreciate intense experiences.

Weighting in at 60% abv, its nose is amplified by aromas of freshly cut wood, nutmeg, fresh herbs and caramelized plum compote. On the palate, it is dry and harmonious. Notes of oak and cinnamon dominate, spiced up by fresh mint, ginger and crisp apples, culminating with a light touch of bitterness and incense.

Hampden Estate Great House is a limited edition available only at the distillery and on certain specific markets. It pays homage to the estate’s ancestral family home thanks to a specific blend designed by the master distiller.

This limited edition reveals an exotic nose, both floral and honeyed. Its aromatic palette first evokes pure cane sugar, and then, with aeration, the scent of freshly baked cake. In the midpalate, honey rubs shoulders with apricot jam and rose flavors. Concentrated and velvety, the palate distils notes of vanilla custard and cocoa beans, while the finish opens with a sweet and salty touch that reminds camphor.