Hampden - HLCF Classic Overproof - Bottled in 2021 - 60%
Hampden Estate is a historic sugarcane plantation located in Jamaica, one of the oldest in the world, founded in 1753. Originally owned by Mr. Archibald Stirling from Scotland, the estate has a rich history linked to the traditional production of Jamaican rum. In 1779, Mr. Stirling built the Hampden Great House, whose ground floor served as a rum warehouse until the early 20th century. The Farquarson family operated the estate for sugar and rum production until 2003, when it became the property of the Jamaica Sugar Company. Renowned for having some of the most fertile lands in Jamaica, Hampden Estate produces the highest tonnage of sugar from crushed cane. Initially, Hampden rums were exclusively exported to Europe, specifically England and Scotland. In 2009, Everglades Farms Ltd, owned by the Hussey family, took over the estate following a public offer as part of the divestment procedures of the Jamaica Sugar Company’s assets, owned by the Jamaican government. Since this acquisition, Everglades Farms has heavily invested in the distillery, creating many jobs in the Trelawny region and improving infrastructure in more than 17 communities and schools.
A key element of the exceptional quality of Hampden rums lies in the purity of the water used: it does not come from groundwater but from an autonomous mountain water collection system. After use, only clean water is returned to nature, ensuring an environmentally friendly process. Distillation is preceded by a long fermentation with natural yeasts, essential elements to develop the unique aromatic profile. Hampden Estate is one of the few Jamaican distilleries still using traditional batch distillation, currently operating four stills. The oldest, a John Dore dated 1960, has a capacity of 7,560 liters. Hampden rums benefit from extended tropical aging, with durations exceeding 7 years under Jamaican climate, equivalent to about 25 years of aging in Europe. These authentic rums are produced, aged, and bottled without any additives: no added sugar, tannins, caramel, or glycerin, preserving their purity and original character.
The HLCF (High Light Continental Flavoured) is Hampden’s iconic classic version. This overproof rum stands out for its high concentration of congeners, with 3,606.9 g/hlpa including 476.9 g/hlpa of esters, essential components that provide remarkable aromatic complexity. It benefits from 4 years of aging under tropical climate, intensifying its powerful and typical flavors of premium Jamaican rums.
