Hampden Estate 1753

A Legendary Jamaican Distillery’s Latest Release

April 4, 2025

Spirits

MIN

For over 250 years, Hampden Estate has been a hidden gem in the world of rum. Founded in 1753, this distillery has perfected a truly unique production method, carefully preserving its traditional craftsmanship to this day. For the longest time, its distinctive and intensely flavorful rums were only available in bulk sales.

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However, thanks to the persistent efforts of Velier, Hampden finally released its first-ever single estate bottlings in 2018. This milestone allowed rum lovers around the world to experience Hampden’s signature style in its purest form. Following in this tradition, "Hampden 1753" was born, a rum that pays homage to the estate’s remarkable history.

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A Tribute to Tradition

This latest release is named in honor of the year Hampden Estate was founded, celebrating nearly 300 years of heritage. The water used in its production is sourced from a natural spring just a few kilometers from the estate, nestled in the heart of Jamaica’s Cockpit Country. This pristine water is then used to dilute the molasses, which is delivered from the Long Pond sugar factory.

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Naturally Fermented with Wild Yeast

One of Hampden’s most defining characteristics is its long fermentation process, powered entirely by wild yeast. This natural fermentation method creates an exceptionally high concentration of esters, the aromatic compounds responsible for the rum’s signature fruity and funky profile.

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100% Pot Still Distilled

Hampden’s rums are distilled using six traditional copper pot stills, each equipped with a double retort system. These stills have been carefully sourced from around the world, and one of them has been in continuous use since the 1960s. The distillation process takes around seven hours, allowing for maximum flavor extraction and complexity.

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Pure, Unadulterated Flavor

Hampden Estate rums are bottled with absolutely no additives, no sugar, no coloring, just pure, unfiltered rum. Aged in bourbon casks under Jamaica’s intense tropical climate, Hampden’s rums develop extraordinary depth and richness in a surprisingly short period. Even after just three years of aging, the tropical maturation process creates a rum that rivals those aged far longer in cooler climates.

Thanks to this meticulous production method, Hampden rums boast an incredibly high ester content, resulting in a rich and intensely aromatic spirit. Their bold aromas are so powerful that Hampden’s rums are sometimes even used in the production of perfumes, capturing the essence of true Jamaican rum in every drop.

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Tasting Notes

46% ABV | Small Batch Production | 3 Years Aged (Ex-Bourbon Casks)

In the glass, Hampden 1753 gleams with a delicate golden hue. As you bring it to your nose, the aroma unfolds with the luscious sweetness of ripe tropical fruits layered with a subtle smokiness. Rich notes of overripe bananas and fermented pineapple dominate, while crisp green apple and delicate floral hints add a fresh vibrancy. Beneath it all, a whisper of smoke and herbal depth evokes the essence of Jamaica’s fertile plantations.

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As you sip, the flavors expand, showcasing Hampden’s signature balance of sweet and tangy fruitiness. The initial burst of citrus freshness intertwines with warming spices and herbal undertones. Ripe pineapple and banana flavors evolve on the palate, gradually giving way to the zesty brightness of lime. Subtle floral and woody notes emerge, along with a hint of charred smokiness.

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With each sip, the complexity deepens. Delicate floral and grassy nuances intertwine with a touch of salinity, enhancing the mineral-rich texture. The vibrant citrus profile, somewhere between lemon and grapefruit, keeps the sip lively, while sweet spices and white-fleshed fruits add layers of intrigue, leading into a long, lingering finish.

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This is a rum that masterfully balances lightness with refinement. It shines when enjoyed neat or on the rocks but also brings extraordinary character to cocktails.

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Why Bartenders and Rum Aficionados Should Try Hampden 1753

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A Flavor Profile That Appeals to Whisky Lovers

If you think rum is just light and sweet, Hampden 1753 will challenge that notion. With its deep aromatics and long-lasting finish, it boasts the kind of complexity that single malt whisky enthusiasts appreciate.

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An Authentic Expression of Traditional Rum

While countless rums flood the market, few distilleries remain dedicated to traditional production methods. Tasting Hampden Estate rum is not just about enjoying a drink, it’s about experiencing the heritage and craftsmanship behind true Jamaican rum.

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A Game-Changer for Cocktails

Adding Hampden 1753 to cocktails elevates them with its rich fruitiness and spicy depth. It transforms classic recipes, making them more refined and complex.

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Jamaican Daiquiri: A simple mix of lime juice and a touch of syrup enhances the rum’s natural aromatics.

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Tropical Highball: Just add soda to unlock a refreshingly fruity profile.

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Jamaican Old Fashioned: A splash of sugar and Angostura bitters deepens its complexity.

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Jamaican Jungle Bird: Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice, and sugar create a perfect balance of tropical sweetness and bitterness.

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The Legacy of Hampden Estate, A Jamaican Distilling Icon

Hampden Estate is one of Jamaica’s oldest distilleries, founded in 1753. Spanning hundreds of hectares, it boasts a unique and diverse ecosystem, making it one of the most prized locations in the country. Over the centuries, Hampden has passed through the hands of multiple families, each preserving and refining its rich distilling traditions.

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A Journey Through Time

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The Founding and Early Years

Hampden was originally established as a sugar plantation by Scottish entrepreneur Archibald Sterling in 1753. In 1779, he commissioned the construction of the “Great House,” an opulent colonial-era mansion that still stands on the estate today. By the early 1900s, the ground floor of this historic building had been repurposed as a rum shop.

Following Sterling’s tenure, the estate changed ownership in 1827, passing into the hands of Dermot Owen Kelly Lawson. Later, through his daughter Ena’s marriage, the property was inherited by the Farquharson family, marking a new chapter in Hampden’s history.

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The Construction of Hampden Wharf

During World War I, Hampden Wharf was built along the coast of Trelawny, in northwest Jamaica, to facilitate the transportation of sugar and rum from the estate. Today, this once-private port has been transformed into a cruise ship docking point, surrounded by hotels, schools, and public infrastructure.

The Farquharson family remained at the helm of Hampden Estate until 2003, when ownership transferred to the Jamaica Sugar Company.

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A New Era: The Hussey Family and the Revival of Hampden Estate

In 2009, the Hussey family acquired Hampden Estate and spearheaded a major revival of its rum production. Historically, Hampden’s distillates were sold exclusively in bulk to blenders and merchants, never bottled under its own name. The Husseys changed that by implementing on-site aging in Jamaica’s tropical climate, unlocking the full potential of Hampden’s unique rum.

For decades, Hampden’s legendary high-ester rum had been used in blends rather than being released as a standalone product. That changed in 2018, when Hampden finally launched its first official bottlings, a milestone moment in the rum industry.

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Innovation Through Collaboration: The Velier Partnership

In 2018, Hampden entered a groundbreaking partnership with Italian rum specialist Velier. Driven by the passion of Luca Gargano, this collaboration led to the first official single rum bottlings under the Hampden name.

Since then, Hampden has continued to push boundaries with experimental releases such as "Hampden Pagos," an industry-first expression aged entirely in sherry casks. This innovation infused new complexity into Hampden’s traditionally bourbon-aged rums, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to both heritage and progress.

Today, Hampden Estate houses over 6,500 aging barrels, primarily in bourbon casks, with a selection of premium sherry casks maturing unique expressions. With 80% of its first warehouse filled, 60% of the second occupied, and construction underway for a third, Hampden’s future is as ambitious as its past.

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