HAMPDEN 2016 6 YEARS OLD 62% VELIER - CASK #223 US MARKET

Hampden 2016 6 Years Old 62% Velier - Cask #223 US Market is a remarkable example of the rich heritage and artistry found in Jamaican rums. Exclusive to the US market and limited to a mere 262 bottles, this exceptional spirit has been meticulously crafted and curated by Hampden Estate in collaboration with the renowned Italian bottler, Velier.

**Hampden Estate** stands as one of the most storied distilleries in Jamaica, known for its uncompromising dedication to traditional rum-making techniques that date back to the 18th century. Nestled in the lush, tropical interior of the island, Hampden continues to employ time-honored methods including the use of wild fermentation and pot still distillation, a testament to their commitment to flavor and authenticity.

This particular expression, the **Hampden 2016 6 Years Old**, highlights the unique character that only six years of tropical aging can bring to rum. Tropical aging, due to the intense heat and humidity of the Jamaican climate, accelerates the interaction between the wood and the spirit, yielding a rum that is incredibly rich and complex in a relatively short period of time.

The rum itself is distilled from **molasses**, a reflective base of the island's historical sugar industry, using the **pot still** method. This method is renowned for producing rums with more depth and character compared to those produced with column stills. Each batch captures a distinct profile, and this particular batch from cask #223 has been aged in **ex-bourbon barrels**, which impart additional layers of subtle vanilla and toasted oak flavors to the already flavorful spirit.

Bottled at a cask strength of **62% alcohol by volume**, this rum offers an intense, full-bodied experience. The high proof not only amplifies the inherent flavors but also ensures that the rich bouquet of aromas is preserved from cask to glass.

About the bottler, **Velier**, it is an Italian company distinguished for its discerning selection of rums. Founded in 1947 by Casimiro Chaix, Velier is renowned for its high-quality, limited-edition releases, often featuring cask strength and minimal intervention from distillation to bottling. Under the guidance of Luca Gargano, whose visionary leadership has cemented Velier's reputation, the company has formed close partnerships with several of the world's most prestigious distilleries to offer connoisseurs experiences that are as authentic as they are unique.

For rum enthusiasts and collectors, the **Hampden 2016 6 Years Old 62% Velier - Cask #223** represents not only a sublime drinking experience but also a significant piece of history. With its robust strength, deep flavor profile characterized by traditional Jamaican "funk," and the artistry of both the distillery and the bottler, this rum is a treasure meant to be savored.

The packaging of this rarity adheres to Velier's distinct aesthetic, focusing on clarity and elegance that allows the rich, dark rum to shine through, enticing the connoisseur before the bottle is even opened. Every detail, from the information on the cask number to the specifics of the aging process, is provided to offer transparency and enhance the appreciation of this fine spirit. Ideally, the Hampden 2016 should be enjoyed neat or with minimal dilution to truly appreciate its complex flavors ranging from sweet molasses to spiced oak and tropical fruit nuances.

This edition is a testament to the shared commitment of Hampden and Velier to offer an unparalleled spirit that reflects both the heritage of Jamaican rum-making and the innovative spirit of modern distillation and bottling techniques. As such, each sip is not just a taste but a journey through the history and heart of Jamaica's rum culture.