Hampden 1753, the new rum celebrating three centuries of Jamaican tradition

Hampden, one of the world's longest-running distilleries, has announced the launch of Hampden 1753, a new release named for the founding year of the Jamaican distillery and set to becomes part of its permanent range.

1753 is not just a date engraved above the entrance to Hampden Estate, it's the symbol of almost three centuries of history and tradition. It's this heritage that the historic Jamaican distillery's new release pays homage to, celebrating its roots.

Hampden 1753 is now part of the permanent range of the distillery's official bottlings as an invitation to explore its unique aromatic universe - the perfect introduction for those who wish to explore its distinctive rum style. Aged for 3 years in ex-bourbon casks, this rum stands out for its complexity and ester-rich profile - two of Hampden's distinctive features. With a 46% ABV it's also easily accessible and versatile, perfect to be enjoyed straight or blended in drinks. 

The rum is produced in keeping with the traditional methods that have marked the success of the distillery located in the Trelawny region, historically recognized as the home of the best Jamaican rums. Each production stage is meticulously managed - from the use of water from a spring in the heart of Cockpit Country, just a few kilometers from the distillery, to a long fermentation with natural indigenous yeasts. Hampden's soul lies in its all-natural, spontaneous fermentations. Here, the same microorganisms have been reproducing for centuries, as have the secrets and recipes that have been handed down through the generations.

Distillation lasts about seven hours and takes place in discontinuous "double retort" copper stills. The rum is then aged in the distillery's warehouses in Jamaica's tropical climate. Like all Hampdens, 1753 is also produced without adding sugar or colorings, in keeping with the tradition and authenticity of a top-level spirit.

Hampden's permanent range, which now includes 1753, also features their 8 YO and HLCF Classic Overproof. The former is the lightest of Hampden's marks, created in the early 2010s and bottled with no additives, colorings or added sugar, with an aromatic expression faithful to the distillery's distinctive style. The latter, produced exclusively from the "HLCF" (Hampden Light Continental Flavored) mark, has a high concentration of esters (400-600 g/hlpa) and can be considered the starting point for the higher ester profiles, while retaining an excellent balance. 

Within this range, Hampden 1753 is positioned to strike the perfect balance between the two. Although mid-range in terms of aromatic spectrum, its concentration still places it in the top 1% of the most intense rums in the world. 

Starting from the name celebrating the year of foundation, everything about 1753 is a clear tribute to the rich historical heritage of the distillery, one of the oldest in the world still in operation. 

When, in the 19th century, the Trelawny region was a mosaic of over one hundred small estates, each with its own distillery, Hampden Estate already stood out from all others by having developed a technique for producing aromatic rum with incredibly high ester levels. 

Throughout its long history, the distillery has seen a succession of different families, each preserving a legacy of artisanal techniques carefully handed down through the generations. The Hussey family, which took the helm in 2009, marked one of the most decisive turning points in its history, when, for the first time, they began ageing rum right on the estate, in Jamaica's hot tropical climate.

Yet even then, as it had for over two and a half centuries, Hampden continued to produce rum without ever selling it to the public as distillery bottlings. Only sold in bulk for use in small amounts in blended rum, its production was only intended for the creation of blends and flavors. 

Surprisingly, this went on until 2018, when Luca Gargano's determination and a partnership with Velier eventually led Hampden to bottle their own rum. This finally allowed them to bring to light their sensational organoleptic features. Thus, after 250 years of illustrious yet "hidden" history, Hampden's first bottling was finally released. 

Over long and troubled centuries, Hampden has succeeded in remaining true to its traditions and craftsmanship. 

The production methods they use today are a reflection of their constant commitment to preserving their heritage of centuries-old traditions - and not just preserving it, but keeping it alive every day and infusing every single official bottling, just as they did back when the distillery was founded. 

Celebrated as one of the best distilleries in the world, Hampden is certainly one of the most authentic, with rums boasting ester levels so high they can be considered real 'flavors'. Unsurprisingly, their essence is still valued in perfumery even today. 

After all, their secret is a unique combination of small details. For starters, Hampden Estate is a unique ecosystem - hundreds of hectares of amazing biodiversity home to as many as twenty-six native bird species, without which Hampden would not be Hampden.

Today the distillery's cellars hold a heritage of over 6,500 barrels, most of which were previously used for aging Bourbon. These include over 100 ex-sherry barrels. One of their warehouses is currently filled to 80% of its capacity, the second to 60% plus a third, smaller one currently being implemented.

This is where future Hampden rums will age and come to life with Hampden 1753 as the latest addition, serving as a compass to the very soul of the Trelawny distillery.