Review: Hampden “The Maverick” Rum

Here’s a kind of fun one-off from Jamaica’s Hampden Estate: “The Maverick” is an exclusive release crafted by Christelle Harris and her husband Matthew Hann, in celebration of the birth of their son, Maverick. His birthday of May 13, 2024, is noted on the front of the label.

The rum is a blend of three marks from three different vintages that “encapsulates the depth and authentic spirit of Hampden Estate”:

50% HGML 2018
40% LFCH 2020
10% C<>H 2021

Here’s a look at our small sample.

Hampden “The Maverick” Rum Review

As the description suggests, this is indeed a classic expression of Hampden — boozy, fruity, and very floral, featuring overripe pineapple chased by ample petrol and a pinch of tiki spices. The palate takes the pineapple and throws it on the grill, eventually evoking notes of orange marmalade and toasted coconut — all island-appropriate. As the warming finish arrives, a touch of creosote builds, tempering the overwhelming fruit qualities of the rum, but only to a degree. That heavy, estery fruit quality would be excellent as part of an overproof float or in a blend of rums, but on its own the rum is a little overwhelming due to its rather singular character. In other words: It’s every bit the Maverick that its name suggests.

118 proof.

A- / $214

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