Hampden - 8 years old - 46% ABV
Clos des Spiritueux presents the prestigious Hampden Estate, one of the oldest and most famous sugar plantations in Jamaica. Founded in 1753, this historic estate belonged to Mr. Archibald Stirling from Scotland. 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 passionately managed agricultural production and distillation until 2003, when the Jamaica Sugar Company took ownership. Recognized for having the most fertile sugarcane lands in Jamaica, this exceptional land produces the largest quantities of sugar from crushed cane. Originally, Hampden rums were exclusively exported to Europe, notably England and Scotland. In 2009, Everglades Farms Ltd, owned by the renowned Hussey family, took over through a public offer from the divestment assets of the Jamaica Sugar Company, then owned by the Jamaican government. Since then, Everglades Farms has made significant investments in the rum distillery, created many jobs in Trelawny, and improved infrastructure for more than 17 local communities and schools.
The essential element of Hampden rum's quality lies in the use of a pure and sustainable water source: the water is not drawn from underground aquifers but comes from an exclusive mountain water collection system. After use, this water is returned to nature perfectly purified, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Fermentation takes place thanks to natural yeasts, promoting an authentic and long process to reveal unique aromas. Hampden Estate is also one of the few Jamaican distilleries still faithful to traditional batch distillation, with its four stills in operation. The oldest is an extraordinary John Dore dating from 1960, capable of holding up to 7,560 liters. Each rum undergoes a prolonged tropical aging, here over 7 years under Jamaica's specific climatic conditions, equivalent to about 25 years of European aging. Production is strictly natural: Hampden rums are made, aged, and bottled without any additives – no added sugar, tannins, caramel, or glycerin – ensuring unmatched purity and authenticity.
This 8-year-old rum represents a staple of Jamaican tradition, a classic rum made from fermented molasses and fully aged in a tropical climate, offering a powerful and complex aromatic richness, a true gem for exceptional spirit enthusiasts.
