Hampden Estate Great House Distillery Edition 2024 Release Pure Single Jamaica Rum (700ml)

"a total banger... Another killer." - drinkhacker.com

Renewed every year since 2019, Hampden's 2024 'Great House' marks the sixth opus in a series that pays tribute to the distillery’s feature building, constructed in 1779 by the Stirling family and still standing in its original form. Traditionally used to hold barrels until the 20th century, today it's become the main place of reception. The new rum bearing its name departs from previous releases, being a blend of several marques instead of just two, and sourced from three different vintages (50% 3 Year LFCH 2021, 20% 4 Year LFCH 2020, 15% 6 Year HGML 2018 & 15% 3 Year DOK 2021 - the latter fermented to the highest legal ester limit in Jamaica, i.e. 1500-1600 grams per hectolitre of alcohol.) Molasses and dunder (residue from previous runs) were distilled in a double retort pot still with full-term tropical maturation taking place in x-Bourbon barrels. If you're a fan of full-bodied single malts, there's no reason why funky, high-ester Jamaicans like this shouldn't be in your cabinet. The flavours may be more exotic, but the overall sensory experience is comparable. As per the last edition, Great House 2024 lands just shy of the historic 100 proof and allocations remain meagre. 57% Alc./vol.

Other reviews... Hampden‘s end-of-year seasonal rum release is here, as always providing a powerful look at the very best that this essential Jamaican distillery can produce and blend. The sixth edition is, as always, a different blend of rums than in prior years (this one hails from three different vintages), but it’s still a total banger. Aromas of torched, almost burnt pineapple find a happy companion in elements of grassy saltwater marsh and a dusting of gunpowder that’s on the verge of being ignited. The palate keeps the fires burning by pairing lit matchsticks with fresh papaya and guava, with a swath of citrus peel expressed across the top. The finish reminds me more of cotton candy than fruit (tropical or otherwise) or other sweeteners, hinting at Bubble Yum and winding down with a touch of almond butter, studded with raisins. Another killer. - drinkhacker.com

...I gave it a 10 cause at nose (and in the mouth) it's incredibly rich, long and powerfull. It's as funky as a great Caribbean rum should be but it's not too aggressive so you don't really feel the abv. What I loved about this edition, is the intense fruit smells you get as soon as you open the bottle and (my taste) the strong dried apricot feeling. - rumratings.com
Notes from the producers... Nose: Full with a lot of tension. Mint, ripe mango and dry earth form a subtle and precise first sequence of aromas. Quince jelly, bramble jam and orange marmalade then set a richer tone. Palate: Clear and lively. The flavour palette is at first abundantly tropical (coconut, mango, passion fruit) and matches the nose perfectly. Alternating between warm and refreshing sequences, it offers a taste of chocolate drops, fragments of slate and mint tea. Finish: Rich and invigorating. The intense finish lingers on herbaceous (Havana cigar) and peppery tones. Diverse infusions of red fruits and marshmallow bring freshness. Increasingly rich, the finish ends on cranberry and raisin.

Founded in 1753 Hampden Estate has been distilling rum for almost three centuries in the Trelawny Parish, historically known as the grand cru of Jamaican rum. Renowned throughout the world for its full, intensely flavorful rums, Hampden Estate has always produced quintessential, heavy pot still pure single rums, using unique methods that guarantee its remarkable aromas and truly exceptional taste. Since 2009, the distillery started ageing its rums on site, in the tropical climate of Jamaica.