Review #85: Habitation Velier Hampden 2011 Rum Review

Habitation Velier has been starting to bring some new, aged Jamaican rums to the states and we couldn’t be happier. They have rolled out a line of age statement, no added sugar, no bullshit rums from some major distilleries in the Caribbean and beyond, and we’ve been impressed with what we’ve tasted so far.

Hampden estates is home to some of the world’s funkiest and most delicious rum. The Jamaican distillery opened in 1753, before the United States was a country, and operated continuously through the centuries. The sugar plantation is one of the island’s oldest. Hampden’s rums are famously funky, full of glorious hogo, like a tropical fruit left out in the sun. Hampden estate makes one of our favorite rums, the punchy white overproof Rum Fire, with a label that looks like a 7th grade kid’s art project. They also put out Hampden Gold, which is a lightly aged rum. Increasingly we’re starting to see some named releases popping up, and we’re excited to see what they churn out next.

The distillery is located in North Western Jamaica in Trelawny parish, home to Falmouth, now a cruise ship port. The port originally grew up to export sugar from the region’s slave fueled sugar plantations.

Quick overview of our scoring system

Additional Information

• ABV: 60.5%
• Distilled 20011, bottled 2018, aged 7 years.
• Angel’s share >49%.
• Sugar free (no dosage) and barrel proof.

About Hampden

• One of the oldest distilleries in Jamaica, operating continuously since 1753.
• Distillery looks like it has been operating continuously since 1753…
• Hampden is famous for its high ester Jamaican rum.
• Hampden also produces esters for the perfume industry. That’s you how know you have some strong stuff..,