Hampden Estate 1753. A new release from Hampden Estate to commemorate the year that the distillery was founded. Initially, I expected this to be some kind of Limited Edition release. It is however going to join Hampden Estate 8 Year Old and Hampden Estate HLCF Classic in it’s “Core” range.

Meaning it will be a continuous release. For this years edition 12,000 bottles will be available globally. Which should ensure enthusiasts have little difficulty obtaining a bottle or three, should they wish.

Hampden Estate 1753 is noted as boasting a high-ester profile on the Hampden website. The rum comes in at 476.9 gr/hlpa. This means it is a HLCF (Hampden Light Continental Flavoured) marque. Many rum enthusiasts may not consider this rum as “high ester”. 

Certainly, there is a case for that in the context of Hampden’s own output. Of the 9 known Rum Marques it would rank as 4th bottom in terms of esters. However, in the greater context of rum production where the average ester count is considered to be around only 70gr/hlpa, this is high ester stuff! It’s also the Marque used in Hampden’s iconic Rum Fire Overproof.

As well as the ester count of 476.9 gr/hlpa, it has a congener count of 3,609 gr/hlpa.  It is 100% Pot Still Rum. Which has been aged in Jamaica for 3 years in ex-bourbon barrels. The fermentation process is “Wild Fermentation” and is noted on the bottle as being “An exceptionally long fermentation process using natural yeasts.” 

It is currently available in Mainland Europe with a UK release set for May. A 70cl bottle retails at around €60. I would expect a similar price in £ when it is released here. Hampden Estate 1753 has been bottled at 46% ABV.

When I first saw this (and without perusing the details – I was as I mentioned earlier expecting a Limited Edition rum. I was definitely expecting something pricier than the €60 it retails that. Having said that it is a fairly young rum at only 3 years. Even taking that into account I still think that is offering good value in todays market for 100% Pot Still Pure Single Rum.

As with other Hampden bottlings this release is in conjunction with LMDW (La Maison Du Whisky)/Velier. So we get the usual Premium style presentation. The now iconic opaque Velier style bottle and solid card sleeve. Information on the actual rum is printed on the front label. In a style which has been carried over from the original Hampden Estate official bottlings.

So Hampden Estate 1753 looks the part and has a very good pedigree. So lets see if the juice inside is worthy of honouring the founding date of this iconic distillery……  

In the glass we have a light to golden coloured rum. Pretty much what I would expect of a 3 year old rum. Even one aged in the tropics. It is noted on the front label that no colourings are used so this hasn’t had any caramel colouring added to it.

On the nose you are immediately hit with deep, rich Jamaican funk – fermenting pineapple, green apple and strawberries alongside malt vinegar and bananas.

With further sips Hampden Estate 1753 reveals more of the funk and some slightly grassy elements. It’s still however a very fruit or “funk” driven rum. There isn’t much oak or “woody-ness” coming into play at this stage. It is very much dominated by the sweet and sour fruity aromas Hampden has become so famous for.

On the sip their is an initial hit of something a little more savoury but nothing I would describe as woody. It has a nice hit and a good fiery burn to it. Further sips reveal the fruitiness again couples with the sweet/sour and vinegar like notes. It’s very acidic and as someone who suffers quite badly with Acid Reflux I’m pleased I popped a couple of tablets before this tasting.

As with most things that give me indigestion – this is good stuff so don’t read this as a negative!

There is a slight woody-ness and a light char on the back of the palate as the rum slips down. It is mingling alongside the citrus fruit notes. Pineapple is turning into a kind of lemon/lime twist as we move into the mid palate. There is a slightly floral note as well coming through.

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.