Hampden LROK 2016/2025 - 9 y.o. - Magnum Series #3

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 60% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

This bottling presents Hampden's LROK style after nine years of maturation. The pot still rum was distilled from molasses in 2016 and bottled by Velier in 2025 at 60%. LROK stands for Light Rum Owen Kelly and denotes a mark with an ester range of 200 to 400 grams per hectolitre of pure alcohol. Floral and fruity impressions define this expression, while medicinal and hydrocarbon-like notes add contrasting elements. Vetiver aromas remain perceptible even in the empty glass.

The third Magnum Series pairs its rum selection with photographs by Cristina de Middel, taken on the Hampden estate. The joint project between La Maison & Velier and the Magnum photo agency began in 2021, bringing together rum production and photography. The series name does not necessarily indicate a large bottle: this release contains 0.7 litres and comes in gift packaging. The rum has neither added colouring nor undergone chill filtration.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose is rich and supple. Mignonette and hyacinth blossoms meet musk and medicinal balsam notes. With air, delicate hints of sugar cane honey and cane sugar emerge. Rubber, white pepper and ginger then become more pronounced. A green apple note complements the floral impressions.
• Palate: On the palate, the rum combines liveliness with fullness. The medicinal impressions return forcefully, accompanied by intense mustard seed and clove notes. Honey-like tones follow, along with a subtle tarry note and pipe tobacco.
• Finish: The finish feels expansive and balanced. Lemon and grapefruit bring fresh accents alongside ripe banana and juicy Reinette apple. Exhaling through the nose reveals a fibrous impression and liquorice notes. The finish is medium-long to long, with lingering spice notes.

Distillery/Bottler:

Hampden Estate is located in the Jamaican parish of Trelawny and was founded in 1753. The distillery is known for heavy, aromatic pot still rums, which were also long sought after for rum blends, perfumery and confectionery production. Its methods include fermentation with wild yeasts and distillation in copper double-retort pot stills. The two retorts downstream of the pot are a defining feature of these stills.

Following its acquisition by the Hussey family in 2009, Hampden began storing and maturing its own production on site. The first official Hampden bottlings reached the market in 2018. Velier is the bottler of this LROK; the Magnum Series was developed as a collaboration between La Maison & Velier and the Magnum photo agency. Its concept places selected rums alongside the work of prominent photographers, rather than focusing solely on a single origin or rum style.

Facts: