HSJ

The economic benefit from the new
business activities along with the
bright future ahead for the Hampden
Estate has brought much optimism
to the various townships within its
borders. It also fulfils the Government
mandate for renewed economic
vitality as a part of the Purchase
Agreement. Today, the Hussey family
remains resolute and committed to
preserving the great traditions of
Hampden Estate, and the
preservation of old family business
values; a necessary prerequisite
given that many of Hampden
customers can trace their orders back
more than 50 years.
The Hampden Distillery is world
renowned among bulk purchasers of
rum, but for the first time in the
Estate’s history, connoisseurs are
putting Hampden Estate rum on the
map for its retail products. In March
2011, the new proprietors launched
the Estate’s first retail rum, locally
named “Rum Fire”. A white,
overproof rum, the name ‘Rum Fire’
is a throwback to an old Jamaican
bar culture. Bar-patrons would throw
rum on the bar counter and light it to
test the rum’s quality. If it burned
blue, they knew it was ‘the good
stuff’. Well, Rum Fire, due to its
undeniable high strength, certainly
burns blue. It stands out when tested
against other overproof rums because
of its sweet essence, directly relating
to high ester pot still rum process.
Rum Fire entered a market that is
highly saturated in overproof rums
but is slowly gaining respect among
the nation’s new and more
experienced rum drinkers alike.
Gone is the misconception that white
overproof rum is a drink for an old
man, or a ‘rum head’. It is widely
gaining popularity among young
adults, particularly women. It is a
fantastic cocktail enhancer that
easily lends it’s self to
be complimented by
a variety of chasers.
Rum Fire is also
gaining international
recognition. It was
awarded a silver
medal in the Ministry
of Rums competition
held in San Francisco
in September 2011.
In April of 2012 Rum
Fire was awarded
another silver medal
at the Rum Renaissance Festival by
the International Rum XP (expert
panel). These medals have
heightened awareness and interest in
the product internationally, including
a boutique American sprit importer,
Aiko Imports. They distribute a small
line of niche products through 80+
distributors across 39 states in the
US. Everglades Farms is also
exploring distribution options in the
UK after being encouraged by its
nomination for ‘Best New White
Rum’ at the 2011 UK Golden Barrel
Awards, a UK Rum Festival where
Rum Fire proved to be a crowd
favourite.
Hampden Estate is looking to the
future with their product
development efforts. They are
working on a two-fold concept,
creating products that will highlight
the essence of what makes Hampden
Estate rums special, and at the same
time working to satisfy local and
international appetites for producing
truly Jamaican, high quality rum
products. When the distillery was
privatised, there was no aged rum
stored, but, it may not be too long
before the Estate will put itself on the
map in the arena of aged rums. The
process of barreling, storing and
ageing rums of different marks has
already begun.
The privatisation of the Long Pond
Sugar Factory and Hampden Estate
has brought renewed energy to the
parish of Trelawny. In the near
future, Hampden Estate anticipates
opening its gates to locals and
visitors alike. The creation of a rum
tour experience is underway and
when completed will provide rum
and history lovers an opportunity to
visit, and experience an authentic
rum distillery. With close proximity
to Montego Bay and the Falmouth
Cruise Ship Pier, the expectations are
high that this will be another
successful venture bringing
additional economic growth to the
community.
This piece of Jamaican history has
been sitting quietly for centuries,
waiting for the opportunity to shine.
The timing could not be better. Let’s
join together in celebration of
Jamaica’s 50th Independence Day.
With the breath of new vitality in the
parish of Trelawny, promoted by the
revitalisation of the Hampden Estate,
the future is bright indeed!
For more information:
www.rumfirejamaica.com
Author: Christelle Harris
Home Sweet Jamaica | August 2012 33