We’re proud to unveil the first UK Rum Club release of 2026 — a bottling that represents both a continuation of our journey and a bold step into one of Jamaica’s most iconic distilleries.
Following the success of our previous Trinidad release, we’ve partnered once again with The UK Rum Club — but this time, our focus shifts firmly to Jamaica, and to one of its most revered producers: Hampden Estate.
Hampden Estate – The Heart of Jamaican Funk
Located in the parish of Trelawny, Hampden Estate is widely regarded as one of the purest expressions of traditional Jamaican rum-making. With a history dating back to the 18th century, the distillery has built its reputation on unyielding adherence to heritage methods.
Hampden produces rum using:
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100% pot still distillation
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Wild fermentation with naturally occurring yeasts
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The use of dunder and muck pits — key contributors to its signature intensity
The result is a style of rum that is unmistakable: highly aromatic, deeply complex, and unapologetically bold.
The HGML Marque – High Ester, High Impact
At the core of this release lies something truly special — the HGML marque.
Hampden’s marques are defined by their ester levels, which directly influence aroma and flavour intensity. HGML sits firmly in the high-ester range, typically associated with powerful, expressive profiles that push Jamaican rum into almost otherworldly territory.
What does that mean in the glass?
Expect an explosion of:
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Overripe tropical fruits (pineapple, banana, mango)
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Fermented notes bordering on savoury complexity
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Solvent-like brightness that lifts and sharpens the profile
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Deep, lingering funk — the hallmark of true Hampden character
HGML is less commonly encountered than some of Hampden’s more widely released marques, making this bottling particularly exciting for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The Bottling
For this release, we secured a limited parcel from a 2019 distillation, matured for six years in Europe and bottled at full strength to preserve its full character.
Specifications
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Distillery: HPDN (Hampden Estate)
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Distilled: 2019
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Bottled: 2026
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Bottler: Precious Liquors
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Distillation: Pot Still
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Aging: 6 years (European maturation)
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ABV: 67.1%
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Volume: 500 ml
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Outturn: 70 bottles only
This is a rum that doesn’t compromise — bottled at a formidable 67.1% ABV, delivering the marque in its purest, most expressive form.
Availability & Allocation
With just 70 bottles in total, this is an exceptionally limited release.
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Only 4 bottles are reserved for subscribers
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The remainder will be made available following UK Rum Club member purchases
Given the distillery, the marque, and the scarcity, we expect this release to sell out quickly.
Delivery
Bottles are expected to be delivered by the end of the first week in June.
A Statement Release
This HGML bottling is more than just another release — it’s a statement of intent for 2026. A celebration of Hampden’s heritage, of high-ester rum in its purest form, and of our ongoing commitment to sourcing distinctive, character-driven spirits.
If you appreciate bold, unapologetic rum — this is one not to miss.