Hampden Estate Rum Tour Review : A Tantalizing Walk Through History

The Hampden Estate is one the oldest sugar estates in Jamaica. Nestled in the tranquil valleys of Trelawny Jamaica and drenched in an astounding history, the Hampden Estate was established in 1753 by a Scottish man by the name of Archibald Sterling. The recently established Hampden Estate rum tour offers visitors a deep dive into the rum making process that has made the Hampden brand a taste and aroma accessory to many palettes across the world.

The 3,500 acre property prides itself in using centuries old techniques passed down through the times with only minor modern tweaks done to increase its production volume without detracting from the tantalizing taste that makes Hampden an award winning spirit.

How To Get There

Coming from Kingston, the journey to Hampden Estate is approximately 2 and a half hours via the North to South Highway. Google maps is the friend in your ear as you make the scenic drive to Trelawny. It’s actually pretty accurate with its directions that sees you passing through many local communities until you see the sign to your right denoting that you are at the Hampden Estate turn off.

Once you turn off the main road, you will then be greeted with a dirt road drive through sugar cane fields which leads to a mesmerizing cascade of lush green palm trees lining each side of the pathway. This captivating visual is the perfect way to welcome visitors to the estate as it appears right before the entryway to the Hampden parking area and visitor’s center.

Tour Information

Tours are held Mondays to Fridays at 10 am, 11 am and 12 pm. Each tour lasts approximately 2 hours and the tours are done via a reservations basis.

The Hampden tour costs $3000 jmd per person for Jamaican residents without lunch and $4000 jmd with lunch. The cost for international visitors is $50 USD per person.

Related : Worthy Park Estate Rum Tour Jamaica

The Tour Experience

On arrival you are greeted by a Hampden representative who does temperature checks and sanities your hands. After this you are guide to a mini bar set up where a welcome drink or 2 ;) is given. The drink served is the Hampden Estate signature rum punch and let me tell you it is gooooooooooooooooooood. Delicious plus tax.

Once you’ve settled in and are a bit more relaxed, then it’s time for the information portion of the tour. You’re given an outline of the tour experience and then a brief history lesson about the estate and how it produces rum. One of the things that stood out to me is that Hampden rum has a 2 year production waiting list for persons looking to scoop up a bottle or 2. Yes! It’s that good.

After the introduction to the tour is completer, then it’s time to do the walk through of the property and the factory. On this portion of the tour, you’ll see the outside of the Great House (unfortunately, you aren’t allowed inside) and are given a guided tour of the factory itself. I won’t divulge too much information because this is a big part of the essence of the tour and I want you guys to check it out for yourselves. :D We are allowed to take a few pics but no videos of inside the factory. If you choose the lunch option, then after the factory tour is the point when you’d have lunch.

The last portion of the tour is the rum tasting which I know it’s what many of you rum connoisseurs really came for. The Hampden brand is sold under 2 labels. Rum Fire which is their unaged white overproof rum; and Hampden Estate which is their aged bottled rums, the oldest of which is their 12 year old rum. The Hampden Estate rum is mainly sold on the international market and may not be as familiar to locals but the tour is sure to incite a desire to change that. Whereas, the Rum Fire is harsh to those of us who aren’t experienced rum drinkers, the Hampden Estate is smooth and a little sweet. The contrast is quite interesting.

What To Expect

In keeping with Covid protocols, all visitors’ temperatures are checked and sanitized at the entry point by the wonderful staff. Facemasks are also required.
A delectable welcome drink which to me is the best tasting rum punch I’ve ever had…. So yummy
A mini history lesson about the Hampden Estate rum factory and about the centuries-old rum making process and production
A scenic tour across the beautiful property. A gorgeous, picturesque estate that leaves you awestruck as you make your way to the factory
An informative guided tour of the rum factory showcasing each step taken to make Hampden rum taste so delicious
Samples of some of the Hampden Estate’s premium rum selections
The presence if frolicking peacocks who made it their mission to make their presence known

Related : Appleton Estate Rum Tour Jamaica

What To Bring

Comfortable shoes for walking
Sunscreen
Camera
Good vibes

The Wrap Up

Overall, the Hampden Estate rum tour experience was a great one. It was informative, the place was absolutely stunning and the rum punch muy delicioso. I definitely recommend the experience. The only thing I wish is that we had gotten some kind of keepsake souvenir to take home like I’ve gotten on other rum tours I’ve done previously.