News

Hampden Rum 8 Marks Collection – aged 1 year, is unveiled

Published by

Federico Hernandez

August 12, 2024

Hampden Estate, renowned for its rich heritage and production of distinctive Jamaican rums, has introduced the second iteration of its celebrated 8 Marks Collection. This new release, aged for one year, provides rum enthusiasts with an exclusive glimpse into the tropical aging process that defines the estate’s unique offerings.

The Hampden Estate’s 8 Marks Collection is rooted in the tradition of creating distinct “marks,” each representing a unique style, flavor profile, and aromatic intensity. These marks are crafted through specialized distillation techniques, manipulating the ratios of molasses, cane vinegar, dunder, muck, and estate spring water. Initially introduced in an unaged form, this sophomore release adds a new dimension to the collection by showcasing the impact of one year of aging in the tropical conditions of Trelawny, Jamaica.

Jamaica has a storied history with rum production, dating back to the early 19th century when the island was the largest rum producer globally. For much of its history, Jamaica supplied rum to European blenders who aged the spirit abroad. It wasn’t until the early 2000s that Jamaican distilleries, including Hampden Estate, began aging rum on the island, offering a more authentic taste of Jamaican rum.

After the Hussey family purchased the distillery in 2010, Hampden Estate, which has extensive historical roots, started its own aging procedures. Since then, the estate has developed a reputation for producing some of the most complex and intensely aromatic rums in the world.

The Hampden Rum 8 Marks Collection – aged 1 year is a testament to this, offering a diverse range of ester concentrations, measured in grams per hectoliter of pure alcohol (g/HLPA), from the lighter OWH (40-80 g/HLPA) to the incredibly intense DOK (1500-1600 g/HLPA).

Hampden Estate’s 8 Marks:

OWH: Outram Wormald Hussey, 40-80 g/HLPA
LFCH: Lawrence Francis Close Hussey, 80-120 g/HLPA
LROK: Light Rum Owen Kelly, 200-400 g/HLPA
HLCF: Hampden Light Continental Flavoured, 400-600 g/HLPA
<>H: Diamond H=900-1000 g/HLPA
HGML: Hampden George MacFarquhar Lawson, 1000-1100 g/HLPA
C<>H: C Diamond H. 1300-1400 g/HLPA
DOK: Dermot Owen Kelly-Lawson, 1500-1600 g/HLPA

Presented in a self-contained tasting kit, the 8 Marks Collection includes 200 ml bottles of each mark, aged at 52% ABV. Accompanying the collection is a detailed “Geek Sheet,” providing insights into the chemical analysis of esters and how the aging process influences their characteristics.

This collection is a must-have for rum enthusiasts and collectors alike, offering an unparalleled journey into the heart of Hampden Estate’s rum production and aging techniques. The 8 Marks Collection not only celebrates the rich history of Jamaican rum but also invites a new generation of connoisseurs to explore the depth and complexity of these carefully crafted spirits.

Federico Hernandez