Hampden Estate 1753 Pure Single Jamaica Rum (700ml)

"...flawless and outstanding value." - whiskyfun.com

What appears at first glance to be another limited release, is in fact, now part of the core range from Hampden Estate. The numbers in the name commemorate the year the distillery was founded. Extended fermentation initiated by native yeasts, distillation in copper pot stills with double retorts and a three-year full-term on-site ageing have resulted in a showcase of Jamaican flair. The aromas capture the tropical side of Hampden with papaya, dried banana, semi ripe cantaloupe, hints of liquorice and nice bit of 'funk'; Only slightly more restrained, the palate ranges a succulent assortment of candied pineapple, orange filled chocolates, vanilla and a gentle bittersweetness relieved by a surge of over-ripe tropical fruits; the finish is dappled with sprinklings of pepper, suggestions of lemon chutney, green banana and fine oak tannins. Throughout, the natural sugars are tempered. Beautifully balanced uncut and engaging as a standalone sipper, 1753's extroverted personality will also shine in Daiquiris or Mai Tais. Praised elsewhere as a first-rate and very welcome addition to the distillery's portfolio, it will be a revelation for mainstream rum drinkers. Nothing has been added besides local spring water. 46% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... This one’s an HLCF. While I’m not a huge advocate for prominently displayed ‘vintage’ years that stretch the imagination (though it’s common practice among the Scots and the Japanese too), Hampden can do what it pleases and rightly so. Naturally, the rational mind knows 1753 isn’t the vintage here, but marketing has never been aimed at the rational mind, has it? Enough musings—on we go… Colour: light gold. Nose: oh yes, undoubtedly, unmistakably, indisputably Hampden at its finest. Mouth: tar, ashes, liquorice, rotting bananas, olives, with a cheeky sip of riesling to tie it together. But of course. Finish: long, saline, maritime, tar-laden. Those olives linger beautifully in the aftertaste. Comments: remarkably fresh for a 1753 (oh, how droll!). In all seriousness, it’s flawless and outstanding value... Thank goodness for the generous 12,000 bottles. Think Ardbeg 10, Springbank 10—cut from the same cloth. 89 points - whisyfun.com

...The further I get down my glass (50ml only for this tasting today) I am noticing a real mellowing of the rum with each sip. It is funky and full on but once your palate has adjusted it really starts to drink at a much older age than its 3 years. It has a “lightness” and a refined element which means it is a really nice little sipper. Now whilst this is without doubt an excellent “mixer” (it is fantastic with cola), it really does work as a fully fledged sipping rum. The finish is perhaps where its age does show the most. Even still its a good length and has a lovely fade. The wood influence shows the most here but the sour funkiness of this rum remains alongside it. The rum faces stiff competition. Just about all Jamaican rum, as long as it isn’t being messed around with by foreigners is in the good to excellent bracket. This more than holds it own and gets a very good 4 (almost 4/5 from me).  A great addition to the Hampden Estate portfolio. 4/5 stars - thefatrumpirate.com

Gold Medal - 2025 New Orleans Spirits Competition.
Spirit of the Year- 2026 The Whisky Exchange.