Hampden Estate Jamaican Rum The 8 Marks Collection Aged 1 Year

Hampden Estate, one of Jamaica's oldest sugar estates dating back to 1753, is renowned for its full-flavored, high-ester pot still rums. The 8 Marks Collection Aged 1 Year is a newer offering, a sequel to their unaged 8 Marks release, showcasing the impact of one year of tropical aging in ex-bourbon casks on their distinct "marks" or rum profiles. Each mark, from the lighter OWH to the intensely funky DOK, represents a unique combination of raw materials and fermentation techniques, a tradition Hampden has honed for centuries, making them a key supplier for blenders worldwide before they began estate-aged bottlings in 2018. This collection allows a fascinating side-by-side exploration of how that initial year in the cask begins to shape these iconic Jamaican craft spirits.

This collection of eight distinct Hampden Estate rums, each aged for one year, showcases a spectrum of Jamaican funk, from brighter, fruit-forward notes in the lower ester marks to more intense, complex, and ester-driven profiles in the higher ones. Perfect for exploring the nuances of pot-still rum, they shine in classic daiquiris or a nuanced Mai Tai, allowing the unique character of each mark to contribute something special to your home bar creations.

This collection of Hampden Estate's eight distinct marks, all aged for one year in ex-bourbon casks, offers a fascinating exploration of how tropical aging influences aroma and flavor. Expect a spectrum, from the lighter, fruitier, and spicier notes in some marks to a more pronounced, funky intensity in others. Across the board, these are dry, powerful Jamaican rums, with the year in oak softening some edges while adding layers of complexity—imagine notes of Demerara sugar, apple, and banana mingling with hints of varnish and tropical fruit, leading to finishes that can introduce floral or even light coconut nuances.