HAMPDEN 2016/2023 OWH - Habitation Velier

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

Special Features:

This Hampden spent its entire maturation in Jamaica, ageing for seven years in former bourbon casks at the distillery itself. It was distilled from molasses in 2016 in a Forsyths Double Retort Pot Still. This still operates in batches and has two retorts connected downstream. During tropical maturation, more than 42% of the contents evaporated as the so-called angel’s share. The rum was bottled for Habitation Velier in 2023 at a cask strength of 60%.

OWH is one of Hampden’s eight marks. These abbreviations distinguish spirit styles with their own production methods and ester ranges. With 40 to 80 grams of esters per hectolitre of pure alcohol at distillation, OWH sits at the lower end of Hampden’s spectrum. This is distinct from the total congener content stated for this bottling: 966.4 grams per hectolitre of pure alcohol. Despite its comparatively low ester range, the rum has a pronounced character featuring exotic fruit, medicinal touches and roasted notes.

A note of vanilla adds to the aromatic spectrum.

The rum contains neither added sugar nor colouring and is not chill-filtered. The 0.7-litre bottle comes in gift packaging. Both the bottle and the box depict the still used to produce it.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The powerful bouquet combines vetiver, rubber, cane sugar and camphor. With aeration, medicinal impressions of balm and mustard poultices become more prominent, alongside roasted notes. Fruity aromas of banana and pineapple then unfold.
• Palate: The rum opens on the palate with a lively, energetic attack. On the mid-palate, coriander, tar and cane sugar combine with a note reminiscent of geranium honey. Toffee and ripe banana round off the flavour at the end.
• Finish: The long, intense finish is initially driven by the power of the spirit. Gradually, milky touches of agave and coconut, fruits such as melon and apricot, and menthol bring freshness to the finish. It becomes increasingly floral, recalling orris butter.

Distillery/Bottler:

Hampden Estate is located in Trelawny, Jamaica, and was founded in 1753. The distillery is known for its intensely aromatic pot still rums, which were long used primarily by rum blenders and in perfumery and confectionery production. In 2009, Hampden began ageing part of its own production; its first official aged bottlings followed in 2018. Also in 2009, Lawrence Francis Close Hussey and his family took over the distillery. The OWH mark commemorates his father, Outram Warmold Hussey.

Habitation Velier is developed in collaboration with the respective rum producers. The range focuses on Pure Single Rums: each comes from a single distillery and is distilled entirely in pot stills. The aged releases mature at the distillery site. In this way, the range highlights differences in stills, origins and production methods rather than focusing solely on age.

Facts: