This Hampden 2023 release was aged for 2 years in Europe in a New American Oak barrel. Distilled in March 2023, with the esters' content 900-1000 grams per hectolitre of pure alcohol (<>H mark), it was bottled in November 2025 at 61.7% ABV. This edition of 216 bottles captures the amazing influence of the virgin oak on the bold, high ester, Jamaican rum.
Jamaica 2023 - Hampden 900-1000 GR/HLPA New American Oak
Jamaica Region
Hampden Distillery
2023 Distillation
2025 Bottled
2 YO Age
New American Oak Cask Type
#15 Cask
Pot (<>H) Still Type
Continental Ageing Maturation
700 ml
61.7% ABV Vol.
216 Bottles
Tasting Notes:
“Aged for two years in Europe, although the word ‘aged’ may feel a little exaggerated here. But we are not going to repeat yet again that a Hampden’s age matters only so much. Right, what can we add that we have not already said, except perhaps that 900-1000 gr ester/HLPA at Hampden means ? In whisky, when we do not know what else to say, we sometimes re-re-re-tell the famous joke about the chef who always cooks with whisky, and who occasionally even adds some to his dishes, but in rum? Ah yes, the classic one, is it: “what is the best spirit for watching Formula 1? Rrrruummmm!” I know, I know… Colour: gold. Nose: classic varnish, neoprene glue, black olives, tropical fruits that are almost rotten but not quite, carbon dust, new faux leather, nitro kit for a Harley, seawater, and I would almost dare add a tiny-tiny-tiny touch of durian… With water: the arrival of a few little gherkins in brine. Mouth (neat): I think these are the finest marques, they are extreme but remain relatively civilised, in this very case, you find quantities of different salted liquorices, sometimes with a faint lemony edge. Razor-sharp and utterly beautiful. With water: saline perfection. Finish: much the same, just a tiny bit more on those big Andalusian olives one nibbles alongside manzanilla. Comments: there is still plenty of salinity left, coming to toy with your lips, and it is great fun. Strictly between ourselves, I still prefer this to the already excellent
Jamaica 2023 - Hampden 900-1000 GR/HLPA New American Oak
Jamaica Region
Hampden Distillery
2023 Distillation
2025 Bottled
2 YO Age
New American Oak Cask Type
#15 Cask
Pot (<>H) Still Type
Continental Ageing Maturation
700 ml
61.7% ABV Vol.
216 Bottles
Tasting Notes:
“Aged for two years in Europe, although the word ‘aged’ may feel a little exaggerated here. But we are not going to repeat yet again that a Hampden’s age matters only so much. Right, what can we add that we have not already said, except perhaps that 900-1000 gr ester/HLPA at Hampden means ? In whisky, when we do not know what else to say, we sometimes re-re-re-tell the famous joke about the chef who always cooks with whisky, and who occasionally even adds some to his dishes, but in rum? Ah yes, the classic one, is it: “what is the best spirit for watching Formula 1? Rrrruummmm!” I know, I know… Colour: gold. Nose: classic varnish, neoprene glue, black olives, tropical fruits that are almost rotten but not quite, carbon dust, new faux leather, nitro kit for a Harley, seawater, and I would almost dare add a tiny-tiny-tiny touch of durian… With water: the arrival of a few little gherkins in brine. Mouth (neat): I think these are the finest marques, they are extreme but remain relatively civilised, in this very case, you find quantities of different salted liquorices, sometimes with a faint lemony edge. Razor-sharp and utterly beautiful. With water: saline perfection. Finish: much the same, just a tiny bit more on those big Andalusian olives one nibbles alongside manzanilla. Comments: there is still plenty of salinity left, coming to toy with your lips, and it is great fun. Strictly between ourselves, I still prefer this to the already excellent
