Hampden
Hampden: Jamaica’s high‑ester, single‑estate pot still rum benchmark with heritage
Founded in 1753 in Trelawny, Jamaica, the Hampden distillery is the standard‑bearer for high‑ester Jamaica rum. Renowned for wild, extended fermentation with native yeasts, dunder and muck pits, and traditional copper double‑retort pot stills, it produces intensely aromatic spirits bursting with tropical fruit, varnish, spice and ripe banana—balanced by oak when tropically aged.
Today on RumX, Hampden boasts 534 expressions and a devoted following. Our community rates the lineup a strong 8.4/10 across 15,886 reviews, praising the house style from the approachable Pure Single Jamaican Rum and value‑packed Smith & Cross, to the punchy Rum Fire and collectible Great House editions. If you seek authentic, characterful premium rum, this is a must‑explore producer.
Popular rums from Hampden
Top rated rums from Hampden
Hampden Rumclub Private Selection Ed. 25 DOK 2009
2009 12yr 58,2%
Fruity DOK funk, surprisingly smooth
Habitation Velier Hampden DOK 2017
2017 5yr 60,5%
Explosive pineapple funk, surprisingly well integrated
Hampden Pure Single Jamaican Rum Classic HLCF 2017
2017 4yr 60%
Funky tropical fruit with cocktail-star power
Habitation Velier Hampden Hampden OWH 2016
2016 7yr 60%
Fruity, approachable Hampden with integrated heat
Velier Hampden Pure Single Jamaican Rum LROK 2010
2010 11yr 47%
Funky, smooth, pineapple-led Hampden
Flavour profile of Hampden
Most frequently mentioned flavors
RumX users celebrate Hampden’s unmistakable funk: overripe tropical fruit, banana bread, esters and a satisfying, often long finish. They love the balance found in Pure Single Jamaican Rum, the value and versatility of Smith & Cross, and the powerful yet drinkable Overproof and Rum Fire. Great House vintages spark debate but remain fan favorites. Some note youthful edges or oak bitterness in select bottlings, yet overall praise quality, character, and cocktail performance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hampden
Popular independent bottlers of Hampden
- Velier 74 rums
- Habitation Velier 29 rums
- 1423 World Class Spirits 28 rums
- Hunter Laing 21 rums
- Samaroli 21 rums
- The Colours of Rum 20 rums
- The Whisky Jury 16 rums
- Romdeluxe 14 rums
About the Hampden distillery
The Hampden distillery is located in Jamaica. Rums from Hampden have been reviewed 16,445 times with an average of 8.4/10.
All rums from Hampden
- Hampden Pure Single Jamaican Rum 8yr 46% RX11
- Hampden Smith & Cross Traditional Jamaican Rum 3yr 57% RX43
- Hampden Pure Single Jamaican Rum Overproof 8yr 60% RX51
- Hampden Great House (Distillery Edition 2020) 7yr 59% RX7547
- Velier Hampden Pagos Sherry 52% RX10567
- Velier Hampden The Younger LROK 2016 5yr 47% RX9150
- Hampden Great House (Distillery Edition 2021) 7yr 55% RX10651
- Hampden Rum Fire 63% RX5390
Want to find out more?
Are you fascinated by the unique flavors of Hampden rums? Discover more about Hampden and other exciting distilleries with detailed tasting notes, expert reviews, and a vibrant community in the free RumX app.
