52% ABV
Hampden Estate is a remarkable distillery in Trelawny Jamaica that has been in operation nearly continuously since 1753. They only make pot distilled rum and they are known for the high ester content of their rums. Esters are flavor and aroma compounds that occur during fermentation through the interaction of acids and alcohols. Hampden makes 8 different marks through different fermentation and distillation practices, each having varying levels of esters. The defining funkiness of Jamaican rums is due to the specific esters in the spirit.
This is Batch 3 of in a series of special releases that are 100% aged in ex-Sherry casks from Bodegas Fundador in Jerez, Spain. This batch is a 16 cask blend from 500 Liter casks that were filled with Oloroso for up to thirty years, and have been filled with Hampden's emblematic HLCF mark (Hampden Light Continental Flavoured). This version has an ester content of 374.1 gr/HLPA. It is fully tropically aged at Hampden in Jamaica for an undisclosed period of time, and bottled at a robust 52% ABV without any additives or chill filtration.
Producer Tasting Notes:
Nose: Rich and complex. The nose reveals notes of clove, toasted walnut, blood orange, apricot stone, and brandied cherry. As it opens up, almonds appear, followed by hints of dates, and a touch of coffee liqueur.
Palate: Bold and lively. Cane sugar, chestnut honey, and tropical flowers notes dominate the palate. Vanilla and cocoa beans follow, adding subtle tannins. The aftertaste is marked by notes of camphor and geranium.
Finish: Long and full. The finish is refreshed by coconut milk, and honeysuckle scents, along with notes of varnish. The aftertaste brings light tobacco notes, lime blossom, peppery rose, coriander, with lingering scents of walnuts and dried grapes.
