Hampden Sugar Estate, Trelawny
Rum labels
My bottles full of rum
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Hampden Estate |
History
[...] the Hampden Estate, a working plantation, rum distillery and sugar factory, complete with great house. Built in 1799, the great house is very impressive and unusual whitewashed structure with dark timbers and mansard roof. The sugar factory (working 24 hours a day) is open between January and July, while the distillery operates and is open for tours February to October.
Hampden Sugar Estate has been privately owned and operated since it was built in the 1930s. The estate began to experience financial difficulties more than a decade ago, and despite Government's intervention through the Development Bank of Jamaica, with a capital injection of $185 million, the situation continued to deteriorate, to the extent that the estate went into receivership on December 21, 1999. This, however, did not halt the deterioration and Government, through the Sugar Company of Jamaica, took over the running of the estate on April 19, 2002.
...
The factory is in an advanced stage of deterioration, with a 90-year-old boiler, a 62-year-old clarifier, among other things. Hampden, which has the capacity to produce 15,000 tonnes of sugar per crop, and was producing to capacity in the late '70s and '80s, in the 2001/2002 crop year, produced only 5,000 tonnes of sugar.
The higher-ester examples, such as Hampden's DOK mark, starts with 500-esters rum and then redistill, it a second time to concentrate the esters still further but, crucially, don't include any fusel oils.
While we see it necessary to close the Hampden factory, we are very confident about the future of Hampden. Our decision to terminate milling operations at the Hampden factory is complemented by plans to increase the utilisation of the distillery and the cane lands at the Hampden Division. The estate will be restructured and reorganised to concentrate on rum production and cane farming.
Most of you would be aware that the Hampden distillery produces bulk rum, which commands premium prices on the international market. Major customers are domiciled in Germany, Holland and Scotland. The demand for Hampden rum is normally greater than output and the operations have been consistently profitable.
While the distillery currently receives several services from the sugar factory we are confident that the profitability of the rum business will be enhanced from the reorganisation and streamlining of the distillery operated as an autonomous entity. The distillery will take delivery of cane juice from the Long Pond factory and, as is currently the case, will source molasses from Caribbean Molasses. Power was being supplied by the factory in a very inefficient manner and closure will allow for streamlining and sizing of the diesel unit to supply power in the most cost effective manner.
We are also pursuing plans to supplement the sale of bulk rum with the sale of a limited quantity of high value branded rum. This initiative will be pursued as part of an EU grant funded project through the West Indies Rum and Spirits Pool Association.
Hampden Estate was closed in December, 2002.
1753
The earliest survey of Hampden was in 1684 by the surveyor, Mr. Thomas Goddard. Formalized in 1743, Hampden operated as a large sugar plantation circa 1753 under the ownership of Mr. Archibald Stirling of Scotland.
1779
In 1779 Mr. Sterling built the Hampden Great House of which the ground floor served as a rum store until the early 1900s.
1827
Post 1827 the estate came into the ownership of D.O. Kelly-Lawson who became Custos of St. James in 1875 and Justice Of The Peace of Trelawny.
His daughter Ena Kelly-Lawson married a Mr. Farquharson, which on her death, inherited Hampden. The estate which is set within the famed “Queen of Spain Valley” consists of approximately 3500 acres.
World War 1
During World War 1, Hampden constructed the Hampden Wharf in Falmouth for shipment
of its sugar and rums which is today a major entry port for some of the world’s
largest cruise ships such as RCL “Harmony, Symphony and Oasis of The Seas” Additionally,
the wharf facilities currently serve now as a major tourist hub.
The estate has donated lands for schools, housing and for many other social
infrastructure uses.
1955
In 1955, the old boiler house, which was located at Gales Valley on the Estate, was donated by the owners of Hampden to Her Royal Highness Princess Alice, who was then Chancellor of the UWI. She arranged for it to be dismantled, block by block. Each building stone was meticulously numbered, then transported to the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus and reassembled.
It took three years to complete the task. When it was done, this beautiful Georgian building, made with finely dressed limestone from Hampden Estate, was reborn as the University Chapel, which is today considered an architectural gem.
2003
The Farquarsons operated the estate producing sugar and rum until 2003 when it came under the ownership of the Jamaica Sugar Company of Jamaica. The estate is renowned for possessing the best cane lands in Jamaica producing the highest Ton Sugar from Ton Cane milled. During this time its rums were exported exclusively to Europe, England and Scotland.
2009
In 2009, Everglades Farms Ltd. owned by the Hussey family, acquired the estate via public bid through divestment procedures of the Jamaica Sugar Company assets, owned by the Government of Jamaica. Since the acquisition, Everglades Farms has invested heavily into the estates, provided jobs throughout Trelawny and provide considerable financial and other infrastructure support more than 17 communities and schools. This has brought renewed hope to the people of the region and to the economy of Trelawny. The Hussey family is committed to preserving the great traditions of Hampden and to the preservation of old family business values, a necessary prerequisite given that several of Hampden’s current customers can trace their orders back several generations.
Handbook of Jamaica 1905:
Sugar estate in cultivation in Jamaica in the year 1903-1904
| Name of estate | Hampden |
| Owner | D.O. Kelly-Lawson |
| Attorney of owner | |
| Acres cane | 160 |
| Acres other | 1,307 |
| Type of mill | Steam |
| Process of manufacture | Ordinary & Centrifugal |
| Hhds * sugar | 61 |
| Punchns * rum | 43 |
Here are full texts from the labels
jm101: Finest old Jamaica rum; Pippa; Pippa-Rum; Good Companions Pippa + Rum; Distilled at Hampden in The Parish of Trelawny, Jamaica, B.W.I.
jm170: Hampden Estate Pure Single Jamaican Rum; The High Ester Art; Produced using the same unique and secret methods since 18th century. The result is a spirit with an unmistakable aromatic profile, thanks to a very high level of esters. Fully Matured in the Tropics; Aging for 8 years in tropical climate produces an angel's share equivalent to 25 years aging in Europe. Trelawny Endemic Rum; Trelawny is famous for its biodiversity in Cockpit Valley its most remote area, there are 26 spices of native Jamaica birds, the largest butterfly in the Western hemisphere, and the last Jamaican crocodiles. This rum, produced a few miles from Cockpit Valley using a centurios-old savoir faire, is unique and unreproducible anywhere else. Wild fermentation. Extremly extended fermentation with nature yeasts. Only Pot Still; 100% artisanal distillation in cooper double retort pot still; Spring Water; Throughout the production process we use solely water flowing from a natural source, that collects into an uncontaminated resource; Natural Colour; There is no need to add anything to out rum genuine with no maquillage; Sugar free; 70 cl e; Distilled at Hampden Distillery, Trelawny - Jamaica, W.I.; 46% vol; 3700597303832
jm_138: Hampden Estate Pure Single Jamaican Rum; Overproof; The High Ester Art; Produced using the ... unique and secret methods since 18th century. The result is a spirit with an unmistakable aromatic ..., thanks to a very high level of esters. Fully Matured in the Tropics; Aging for 8 years in tropical climate produces an angel's share equivalent to 25 years aging in Europe.Trelawny Endemic Rum; Trelawny is famous for its biodiversity in Cockpit Valley its most remote area, there are 26 spices of native Jamaica birds, the largest butterfly in the Western hemisphere, and the last Jamaican crocodiles. The rum, produced a few miles from Cockpit Valley using a centurios-old savoir faire, is unique and unreproducible anywhere else. Wild fermentation. Extremly extended fermentation with nature yeasts. Only Pot Still; 100% artisanal distillation in cooper double mtort pot still; Spring Water; Throughout the production process we use solely water flowing from a natural source, that collects into an uncontaminated resource; Natural Colour; There is no need to add anything to out rum genuine with no maqulage; Sugar free; 70 cl e; Distilled at Hampden Distillery, Trelawny - Jamaica, W.I.; 60% vol; 3700597303849
jm_164: Hampden Estate Pure Single Jamaican Rum; The Younger; Distilled 2016; Aged 5 Years; Bottled 2021; LROK; Distilled and Aged at Hampden Distillery, Trelawny, Jamaica, W.I.; 70 cl e; 47% vol.; 3700597354445
jm169: Rum Fire; White overproof rum; 63% vol; Manufactured and bottled under excise duty law by: Hampden Estate; 70 cl e; Pure Single Jamaica Rum; 3700597351772
it_140: Hampden; Jamaican Pure Single Rum; LROK; 100% Pot Still distillation; Molasses: Hampden Estate, Jamaica; Esters: 350 g/hlpa; Bottled: 2018; Sugar free; Figh proof; 70 cl e; Distilled at Hampden Estate, Trelawny, Jamaica, W.I.; 62,5% vol; Habitation Velier; The House of Pure Single Rums
it_149: Hampden; 2010; Jamaica Pure Single Rum; HGML; Double retort pot still by Forsyths operating at Hampden Estate; 100% Pot Still distillation; Distilled: 2010; Bottled: 2019; Aged: 9 y.o.; Aged in the tropics / Angel share > 64%; Sugar free; Barrel proof; 70 cl e; Distilled in a Double Retort Pot Still at Hampden Estate, Trelawny, Jamaica, W.I.; 62% vol; Habitation Velier; The House of Pure Single Rums
it_153: Hampden; 2010; Jamaica Pure Single Rum; A high esters expression of Hampden Estate; HLCF; Double retort pot still by Forsyths operating at Hampden Estate; 100% Pot Still distillation; Distilled: 2010; Bottled: 2016; Aged: 6 y.o.; Esters 550 gr/laa; Aged in the tropics / Angel share > 68.5%; Sugar free; Barrel proof; 70 cl e; Distilled in a Double Retort Pot Still at Hampden Estate, Trelawny, Jamaica, W.I.; 68,5% vol; Habitation Velier; The House of Pure Single Rums
it_151: Hampden; 2011; Jamaica Pure Single Rum; LFCH; Double retort pot still by Forsyths operating at Hampden Estate; 100% Pot Still distillation; Distilled: 2011; Bottled: 2018; Aged: 7 y.o.; Esters 200 gr/laa; Aged in the tropics / Angel share > 40%; Sugar free; Barrel proof; 70 cl e; Distilled in a Double Retort Pot Still at Hampden Estate, Trelawny, Jamaica, W.I.; 62% vol; Habitation Velier; The House of Pure Single Rums
fr_1277: Compagnie des Indes; Rhum fût unique; Rum single cask; Jamaica 9 ans; Hampden; 44% alc/vol
fr_1278: Compagnie des Indes; Rhum fût unique; Rum single cask; Jamaica 9 ans; High Proof; Hampden; 44% alc/vol
fr_1286: Compagnie des Indes; Rhum fût unique; Rum single cask; Cask Strength; Jamaica 14 ans; Hampden; 58% alc/vol
fr_1287: Compagnie des Indes; Rhum fût unique; Rum single cask; Jamaica 15 ans; Hampden; 43% alc/vol
fr_1288: Compagnie des Indes; Rhum fût unique; Rum single cask; Jamaica 16 ans; Hampden; 44% alc/vol
fr_1289: Compagnie des Indes; Rhum fût unique; Rum single cask; Cask Strength; Jamaica 24 ans; Hampden; 44% alc/vol; 3760255020334
fr_1290: Compagnie des Indes; Jamaica 33 ans Cask Strength; Hampden; 54.1% alc/vol
de_348: Alambic Classique Collection; Hampden 1998 Golden Barrel; Rare Single Cask Rum; 16 Years Old; Distilled: 1998, Bottled: 2014; Cask/Ref: 14315; Distilled, Matured and Bottled for Alambic Classique, Bad Wörishofen, Germany; 70 cl; Product of Jamaica; 45% vol
de_347: Alambic Classique Collection; Hampden 1998 XO; Rare Single Cask Rum; 20 Years Old; Distilled: 1998, Bottled: 2018; Cask/Ref: 18404; Selected and Bottled for Alambic Classique, Bad Wörishofen, Germany; 70 cl; Product of Jamaica; 45% vol
de_330: RA; Rum Artesanal; Caribbean Rum; Rhum de Caraïbes; Ron de Caribique; 40% vol; Rum of Jamaica; 500 ml; Hampden, Worthy Park; 4005563020515
fr_1377: Transcontinental Rum Line; Single Cask Strength; Hampden 2000; 100% aged in continental weather; Distilled 2000 - Bottled 2016; Hampden Estate, Jamaica; 70 cl e; 54.9% vol; 208 bottles
uk_197: Duncan Taylor Single Cask Rum; Distilled in: Jamaica; At: Hampden Distillery; Distilled: 09.00, Bottled: 11.12; Cask No:122; Style: Pot; One of 233 bottles; Distilled in 2000; Aged 12 years; 53.1% alc/vol; 700 ml; Aged in oak caska; No chill filtration, no added colorant; Bottled by Duncan Taylor Ltd, Huntly, Aberdeenshire, AB54 8JU7, Scotland
uk_155: Aged 13 years; Murray McDavid Jamaica Rum; Hampden 1992; 70 cl; 46% alc/vol
be_125: Savour the Spirit of Adventure; World's End Rum; Dry Spiced; Distilled to the Highest Order; Gradv longitvdis 70 cl e; Carta Gothic; 40% alc/vol; Faber est quisque fortunae suae
de_605: The Rum Cask; Jamaica; Single Cask Rum; Distilled at Hampden Estate Distillery; Distilled: 1998; Aged 7 Years; Bottled: 2015; Limited Edition; Pot Still; Original Strength; 50 cl; www.therumcask.de; 63.2% vol
de_695: Letter of Marque; Distilled: 06/2009; Bottled: 03/2018; Mark: DOK; Angels' share: >12%; Distilled in Jamaica at Hampden; aged 8 years; Pot still Distillation; Aged in Europe; Cask Strength; Without aditives; Non chill filtered; DOK; 50 cl; bottle 35 of 300; 66.4% vol
dk_78: Ron de Luxe; Wild Series Rum; Jamaica; Aged 10 Years; 70 cl; Single Cask; 85.2%
dk_79: Ron de Luxe; Wild Series Rum; Jamaica; 5th. Anniversary Edt.; 70 cl; Single Cask; 86.2%
uk_406: A Tribute to Good Old Times; Albert Michler Rum; 700 ml; 40% vol; Jamaica & Trinidad; Albert Michler Distillery; World-Famous Imported Artisanal White Rum; Distilled under the Government Supervision for Albert Michler Distillery Int LTD UK; Produced in Jamaica & Trinidad
uk_407: A Tribute to Good Old Times; Albert Michler Rum; 700 ml; 40% vol; 100% Jamaican; Albert Michler Distillery; World-Famous Imported Artisanal Dark Rum; Distilled in Jamaica under the Government Supervision for Albert Michler Distillery Int LTD UK; Produced in Jamaica, The West Indies
uk_408: A Tribute to Good Old Times; Albert Michler Rum; 700 ml; 63% vol; Overproof; Albert Michler Distillery; World-Famous Imported Artisanal Dark Rum; Distilled under the Government Supervision for Albert Michler Distillery Int LTD UK; Produced in Jamaica & Trinidad
cz_349: Distilled 2005; Bottled: 2020; Rum Shark; Hampden 2005; Jamaica; Single Cask Selection; 69% vol; 15; e 70 cl
dk8: Warehouse #1; Overproof; Rum; UPB; Unaged White Rum Series; CZ Rum Lovers Edition; 63%; HLCF; 70 cl; 8594057570880
be_169: Jamaica Rum; Single Distillery; Hampdend; Single Cask; 16 Years Old; Out of Many, One People; 70 cl; Product of Jamaica; 60.4% vol.; John Barrett - Bristol Spirits LTD - Corman Collins
uk~34: 20 years old; Fine old rum; Single cask; Jamaica distilled in Hampden; Distilled 1993; Bottled 2013; 70 cl; Silver Seal Whisky Company; 50% vol; 1108003160000