Hampden Great House (2020) Review

Distilled & Bottled by Hampden

Region: Jamaica

Type: Rum

ABV: 59%

Age: NAS

Color: dark copper

This is Hampden’s second Great House release. The 2019 edition was a “distillery exclusive” release that eventually saw limited distribution. Luckily for us, the 2020 version is much more widely available.

Bottled at the same 59% ABV as the 2019, the 2020 version also has the same marque blend of 80% OWH and 20% <>H combo. If you’re new to rum, think of marques (“marks”) as something akin to bourbon’s mashbills, except these are defined by their ester content.

As Hampden is a quality rum distillery, their rums are bottled without chill filtration, or added sugar or coloring.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A burst of tropical fruits: pineapple and ripe banana, make way for yeast and bread and some industrial solvent undertones before ending with raisins covered in brown sugar.

Palate: Rich and oily, the palate is sweet forward with more fruit and a continuation of the baking notes from the nose, this time as ginger snaps to add a bit of spice to the sweetness

Finish: long, grapefruit like bitterness and heaps of sweet, ripe banana along with more tropical fruit and again a hint of industrial notes along with some barrel tannin and sugars

Rating: 9/10, Excellent

Conclusion: Great House? A modest appellation. I submit that “Best House” would be more appropriate. This rum makes itself known before you even nose your glass. There’s nothing shy about this rum’s aromatics either. Your neighbor at the bar, dinner or card table will be able to smell what you’re drinking.

Apart from the industrial (some might interpret it as medicinal) notes, there’s nothing about this spirit that is subtle. Big, bold and full of fantastic flavor. If you see the Great House, you must buy the Great House.

Ratings|Description

1| Undrinkable
2| Bad
3| Poor
4| Below Average
5| Average
6| Above Average
7| Very Good
8| Great
9| Excellent
10| Perfect