Hampden 4 Year Old Magnum Series #3

Hampden 4 Year Old Magnum Series #3 is a Jamaican rum from the legendary Hampden Estate distillery, released under the curation of the Italian distributor Velier as part of the exclusive Magnum Series, which celebrates the meeting of rum craftsmanship and photography.

Each edition of this series connects the world of distillation with the world of visual art – the label of this bottle features the work of photographer Cristina de Middel from the Magnum Photos agency.

Distilled in 2021 and aged for four years in a tropical climate, this rum was bottled at a powerful 60 % ABV. Rum has offers explosive aromas, exceptional complexity, and the unmistakable character of Jamaican rum.

Hampden is made from molasses in traditional copper pot stills, with fermentation occurring naturally - without added commercial yeast — using dunder (the residue from previous fermentations) and wild microorganisms. This long, spontaneous fermentation, together with Jamaica’s unique climate, gives the rum its iconic “funky” identity.

After distillation, it matures for four years in tropical warehouses, which significantly accelerates aging and deepens the flavor through intense interaction with oak. Thanks to this environment, its four tropical years correspond to much longer maturation under European conditions. The ester content reaches around 1,500–1,600 g/hl AA, an exceptionally high level that ensures an extremely aromatic profile.

On the nose, Hampden 4y Magnum Series #3 bursts with tropical fruit - banana, pineapple, mango alongside fermented, solvent-like notes typical of Jamaican rum: varnish, acetone, and spicy wood. Hints of medicinal and camphorous tones add further depth and intrigue.

On the palate, it’s full-bodied, robust, and powerful, combining ripe fruit with touches of smoke, walnuts, ginger, and a faint salty edge. Despite the high strength, a few drops of water open it up beautifully, revealing softer, creamier layers and a fruity-acidic finish.

Best enjoyed neat in a tulip glass at room temperature, this rum is a true connoisseur’s spirit – a bold expression of Jamaican terroir and craftsmanship.