Hampden Estate Great House Distillery 2021 Edition

Tasted this while one that Hampden distillery tour in Jamaica...

Nosing
Great house 2020
Papaya apples toffee caramel

Caramelised banana on the pallette,
Peanuts, cashew,

This is a 50-50 blend of two Hampden molasses based, pot still, high ester marks: Diamond H and LFCH, of different ages. The exact aging here isn’t listed. But they have been tropically aged in exbourbon casks. Third party information seems to suggest the blend averages 7 years in age.

The nose is pretty pungent and extremely fruity. I get Overripe Bananas, Grilled Pineapple, Mango, Stewed Apples, Strawberry Jam, Blackberry Syrup, Crazy Glue (Air Fix), and Banana Pudding. It’s a fairly intense and delightful menagerie.

It took me several sips to capture the palate but it starts immediately with a strong Black Cherry Jam and sour wild Black Cherries (like you just picked them off the tree and popped them in your mouth). The wild cherry note here is pretty dominant. After that I get Bananas, the classic Hampden Apple Moonshine note, Kirschwasser, Oak, and Grilled Pineapple. Despite being not as strong as Great House 2020, this edition drinks hotter than its predecessor. It also drinks significantly more “Hampden” to my tastes than the 2020.

The finish here is quite long and enjoyable. I get Black Cherry Jam, Grilled Pineapple, Cherry Pie filing, and Strawberry Jam. Long afterwards I get light Cigar Ash, and finally Vanilla.

Overall this is a pretty tasty rum, and quite complex to match. It is significantly better than Hampden 8 Year and even better than Stolen Overproof to my tastes, but it comes up short in comparison to the 2020 Great House. It’s not that it is any less complex, it’s just that the notes don’t line up with my preferences near as much as it’s predecessor….Then again that’s not easy because Hampden Great House 2020 is one of my highest rated rums. Regardless, this is an excellent rum and the 2nd best Hampden distillate I have enjoyed to date. I have absolutely no regrets getting this bottle. It’s probably just short of “buy a backup” for me, but that’s only because I would just prefer the 2020 edition.

Short Description: An even fruitier take on the classic Hampden notes. If you like Hampden, this edition is for you. The most Hampden of the Hampdens.

Nose: (very fruity) Overripe Bananas, Grilled Pineapple, Mango, Stewed Apples, Strawberry Jam, Blackberry Syrup, Air Fix Glue, Banana Pudding

Palate: Black Cherry jam, Wild Black Cherries, Bananas, Apple Moonshine, Kirschwasser, Oak, Grilled Pineapple

Finish: (long) Black Cherry Jam, Grilled Pineapple, Cherry Pie filling, Strawberry Jam, long afterwards light Cigar Ash, Vanilla

ABV: 55%

Country of Origin: Jamaica

Distillery: Hampden Estate - Trelawny

Funky, technical, riped fruits in aroma; decent sweeter start, glue, harsher body finish with riped fruits; medium barrel, raisins, oily tail.

Den smager rigtigt godt. Masser af klassisk Jamaica funk. Meget tæt på et 10 tal.

Hampden Great House 2021 marks the third installment of their coveted distillery-exclusive series. Crafted with precision, Hampden Great House Rum is a fusion of distinct vintages, evolving gracefully with each annual release. 🥃

55% ABV.

Appearance: 4/5 Golden Amber
Taste: 4/5

Nose: Ripe Fruits & Herbs, slight chocolate
Palate: Pineapple, Banana, Spices & vanilla that lingers

Overall: 4/5 - Embarking on our inaugural Hampden experience left us awestruck by its undeniable impact. Once the initial surprise subsides, a vibrant expression emerges, revealing the depths of its character. This remarkable rum has left us intrigued, and we're eager to see how our appreciation evolves as we continue our journey through Rum.

I love how funky this stuff is. I tried introducing this to several whisky drinkers. They were not amused; this isn't for everyone.

Quality is high and it is a flavor bomb. This is what a limited, annual release should be. Bourbon distillers could learn something here.

Aroma: JAMAICA, some tropical fruits, lot of spice with combination of wood. For me it was little to much spicy.

Taste: again Jamaica, I dont know how to describe it, but at the same time that I was drinking this rum, I poured myself a glass of Appleton Estate and the smell and the taste of both of them had this JAMAICA thing. Again I found some tropical fruits (pineapple), lot of spice and wood, but there was also something very sweety (maybe honey).

Overall: great sample of Jamaica rum. Highly recomended, if you will have the opportunity just try it. The bottle is little bit pricey, 180 - 200 €, and what I heard some people collect these Great House bottles but still it is great rum.

Picked this up on a tour of Hampden Estate. Aside from a few Barbadian or St Lucian expressions; this is some of best juice I’ve ever had. I love the funk but the aging here imparts amazing notes.

Despite the differences, this great house is definitely a worthy successor to the 2020 and 2019. The nose has ripe pineapples, vanilla, citrus, strawberries, and cola spice. The palate again has a great continuation from the nose of cola spices, bananas, pineapple, cinnamon, earthy vanilla beans, and an assortment of rotting tropical fruits.
The finish is quite long, spicy, tannic, and fruity. Strong overripe bananas and strawberries, cinnamon and candy. Definitely some lovely hogo and fruit in the finish. Gorgeous dram!

What a great jamaican rum ! very smooth and rich, lot of tropical fruits and funky jamaican flavors ! banana, ananas, a lil bit of pepper.
Really soft oakiness which is cool to let this rum expresses itself in a great way.
Definitely a must have in your bar if you like Jamaican rums.