Hampden Great House Distillery Edition 2021 55% NV

Professional reviews

BOW (90)

Hampden Great House 2021 is the third release of the exclusive distillery edition. This range is sold at the Hampden distillery and in a number of selected countries, including the Netherlands.
It is an ode to the beautiful old mansion, which is located on the distillery premises. Hampden's Great House was built in 1779 by the estate's first owners, the Stirlings. The first floor was used as a storage for rum until the 20th century. Today the house serves as a reception for guests and visitors.
Hampden Great House 2020 is a blend of two different rums from different marques and years: 80% OWH 2013 and 20% <> H 2017. The 'OWH' marque represents the light Hampden formula and the marque '<> H' is the iconic Hampden mark which is adored worldwide by rum experts.

Tasting Notes:
• Nose: initially cane sugar, juicy pineapple, cocoa beans and mint. When the rum has had a little more oxygen; acacia and linden blossom honey, aromatic plants (verbena, sage) and candied citrus fruits (lemon, grapefruit) follow. Finally, the smells of nutmeg and coconut milk come out of the glass.
• Taste: The flavors are very similar to what you smell. The pineapple comes out very clearly, along with coconut milk and floral notes. In the middle of the mouth, the taste transitions to lemongrass, rosemary and umami, complemented by jaggery. Here too, honey returns, just like in the nose, and gradually turns into medicinal notes (ointment, mustard poultice) and spicy (star anise, cloves).
• Finish: wonderfully long. The aftertaste is an extension of the taste and is medicinal (iodine) and musky. With incredible finesse, it reveals sweet flavors of pastry, blossom and finally coriander, lime and honeysuckle.