HAMPDEN OWH 2012 8 YEARS OLD 60,2% VELIER - WHITE EYED THRUSH SINGLE CASK #664 | KIRSH IMPORT

Delving into the world of rare rum treasures, the Hampden OWH 2012 8 Years Old 60.2% Velier - White Eyed Thrush Single Cask #664, bottled by Kirsch Import, offers an exquisite taste of Jamaica's rich distilling heritage. This limited-edition rum not only showcases the unique distilling techniques of the esteemed Hampden distillery but also the meticulous curation of the renowned Italian bottler, Velier.

Hampden Distillery, known for its high-ester rums full of robust and complex flavors, stands in the scenic Trelawny Parish, Jamaica, a spot historically revered for its dense concentration of quality rum production. Founded in the 18th century, Hampden continues to preserve a traditional and manual method of rum-making, respecting and maintaining a heritage that dates back over centuries. The distillery’s commitment to authenticity is seen in the usage of wild fermentation and pot still distillation, practices that are becoming increasingly rare in modern times.

This particular release, distilled in 2012 and matured for 8 years in the tropical climate of Jamaica, has been bottled at cask strength, a fiery 60.2% ABV, in the year 2020. Such aging in a tropical climate significantly impacts the maturation process, with high temperatures and humidity leading to an intensified interaction between the rum and the cask, thus accelerating the aging process. The resulting spirit is of unparalleled intensity and depth. Cask No. 664, from which this bottle was drawn, has yielded only 250 bottles, making this a truly limited edition.

The base of this rum is molasses, the rich, sweet residue from sugarcane once the sucrose has been crystallized, offering deep, caramelized flavors that are the backbone of many high-quality rums. Processed using pot stills, this method is known for retaining more of the original flavors of the wash, leading to a richer and more aromatic rum. Here, the focus on traditional techniques and quality components shines markedly.

Adding an extra layer of distinction, this rum features the attention and expertise of Velier, a company revered in the spirits world for their careful selection of casks and impeccable aging standards. Founded in 1947 by Casimir Chaix in Genoa, Italy, Velier is now famously helmed by Luca Gargano, whose passion for authentic rum has propelled the company to the forefront of exceptional spirits bottlers. Under Gargano’s direction, Velier has become synonymous with quality and rarity, often choosing to bottle spirits at natural strengths and with no additives, presenting them as unadulterated expressions of their origin.

This Hampden OWH 2012 is adorned with the image of the White Eyed Thrush, a bird native to Jamaica, symbolizing the rum’s pure and indigenous Jamaican roots. The presentation speaks volumes about the care and local pride imbued in every bottle. Each sip of this rum promises a voyage into the intensity of Hampden’s high-ester profiles, delivering flavors that are both vigorously powerful and intricately complex. Notes of tropical fruit, spices, and a underlying smokiness are typically anticipated, offering a palate that intrigues and delights.

For aficionados of unique, high-quality spirits, this rum is more than an alcoholic beverage; it is a testament to the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Jamaican rum-making. The Hampden OWH 2012 is a collector's dream and a connoisseur’s delight, perfect for those moments that call for a truly special and profoundly impactful drinking experience.

In summary, the Hampden OWH 2012 8 Years Old 60.2% Velier - White Eyed Thrush Single Cask #664 bottled by Kirsch Import is not just a rum; it is a piece of Jamaican history, an artisanal creation that speaks of the land’s character and the passion of those who bottle its essence. Highly limited in availability, each bottle is a cherished entity that holds within it the heart and soul of Jamaica.