Hampden : LROK Ex-Sherry Habitation Velier

Tasting characteristics and advice for LROK Ex-Sherry Habitation Velier from Hampden

Tasting

Appearance

This Jamaican rum displays a coppery hue with greenish highlights, reflecting its maturation in sherry casks.

Nose

Full-bodied and heady, the nose opens on notes of cocoa and licorice, with balsamic hints of cedar. With aeration, autumnal accents of dry leaves and lichen emerge, alongside thyme and bay leaf infusions. Notes of citrus (orange, mandarin), apricot, sandalwood and shoe polish round out this complex aromatic profile.

Palate

Rich and dense, the palate reveals notes of porcini, truffle and chestnut. A herbal bitterness of gentian and mint comes through, joined by nuances of emery cloth and walnut husk. Long and indulgent, the finish unfolds flavors of melted chocolate and éclair, lifted by powdery notes of cinnamon, rice and ginger. Raisins and dates lead into Hampden’s hallmark empyreumatic signature.

Pairings and tasting moments

This rum is best enjoyed neat, at room temperature, to fully appreciate its complexity. Its autumnal profile and richness make it a contemplative spirit, ideal for an unhurried tasting among connoisseurs. The influence of the sherry casks lends it a dimension reminiscent of certain Scottish single malts.

An exceptional Jamaican rum matured in sherry casks

Hampden, Jamaican rum excellence since 1753

Founded in 1753 by Scotsman Archibald Stirling, Hampden has embodied Jamaican Rum excellence for over 270 years. Located in the Queen of Spain Valley in Trelawny, this historic distillery continues to uphold time-honored methods unchanged: natural fermentation with no added yeast for 8 to 15 days, distillation in traditional pot stills, and an exceptional ester concentration that can reach 400 grams per hectoliter. Tropical aging accelerates maturation three times faster than in Europe. Since 2018, Hampden has marketed its own bottlings, establishing itself as one of the most authentic Jamaican distilleries in the world.

Hampden LROK Ex-Sherry 2019 Habitation Velier, a limited edition from Hampden

Hampden LROK Ex-Sherry Habitation Velier vintage 2019 offers an original interpretation of Jamaican expertise. Bottled by Velier as part of its Habitation range, this rum stands out for an aging choice unusual for the distillery: sherry casks sourced from the prestigious Bodegas Lustau. This maturation gives the spirit a unique autumnal patina, reminiscent of certain Scottish single malts, while preserving Hampden’s distinctive flavor identity.

Classified LROK (Light Rum Owen Kelly), this rum shows an ester level between 200 and 400 g/hL, ensuring remarkable aromatic intensity. Bottled at cask strength at 60.5% ABV, with no dilution and no chill filtration, it preserves the full breadth of its aromatic richness. This limited edition reflects the collaboration between Hampden and Velier, an Italian merchant renowned for its exceptional selections of Caribbean rums.