In the middle of July last month I was invited to the launch of the Hampden Estate 1753 which was held a the lovely Il Bistrotto London. Between the great cocktails and amazing food we obviously got to try this new release – and now you get to read about my conclusion on it.
Firstly the Hampden Estate 1753 brings an homage to the distillery’s official founding year, although, according to Daniele Biondi, there are findings which suggest that distillation on the Trelawny Parish-based estate was happening prior to that year. This is a continuous release which just joined the Hampden core range.
The marque of the rum inside is HLCF (Hampden Light Continental Flavoured) and it clocks in at 476.9 gr/hlaa, which for a “funk enthusiast” might not be massive, but for the rest of 98% of the world it will definitely pack a flavoursome punch. Hampden is very well known for its full bodied distillates regardless of the marque.
Hampden Estate 1753 is (mostly) molasses based, pot still distilled and aged for 3 years in ex-Bourbon barrels. It’s bottled at 46% ABV without any additives.
On the nose you get all the signature funky aromas. Overripe bananas, ripe pineapples, nail varnish and allspice. Black tea, almonds, marzipan and dusty furniture. Very much classic Hampden which is never a bad thing. Stone fruits, raw cacao nibs, sour cherries and stemmed ginger. Some herbal notes with a touch of diesel as well.
On the palate it’s quite bold and intense. Orgeat, stone fruits, banana bread and allspice. Pear eau de vie, plums, green apples and some nuts. The mouthfeel is nice and oily. Green tea and a touch of Green Chartreuse. Some citrus peel, dates and tobacco. Cacao and sour cherries as well. The finish is long with tropical fruits and green wood notes.
This is a great addition to the range, nothing too “punchy”, but with enough body it will stand out in any drink. The Hampden signature flavours really shine through due to its short time it spent in the cask and I really enjoy that.
A bottle will set you back around £63 (The Whisky Exchange) which is a lot, but if you know Hampden then you know it’s money well spent.
Hampden Estate 1753 score:
Flavour/taste: 55/70
Value for money: 14/15
Transparency/purity: 15/15
Overall: 84/100
Cheers!
“Sounds like a solid addition to the Hampden lineup. Love how you broke down the funk and balance on both the nose and palate. Definitely one to keep an eye on.”
— Michael
Overproof.com
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It is a tasty intense drop