Hampden Estates History and Rum

Experience overview

Journey through time at Hampden Estate and discover a distillery steeped in tradition, with origins dating back to 1753. Uncover the secrets of a rum-making heritage that has spanned more than two and a half centuries, and taste the unique character of the award-winning Rum Fire and Hampden Estate Gold rums. Your adventure begins at the Hampden Great House and Estate, a place where history lingers in the air. This vast sugar plantation, established in 1753 by Archibald Sterling of Scotland, is a veritable time capsule of colonial ambition. The house itself has stories embedded in its walls, having served as a rum store until the early 20th century. The estate is also home to the 19th-century Hampden Presbyterian Church, the denomination's first church on the island. During the First World War, the estate expanded its operations by adding Hampden Wharf in Falmouth to ship its products. During the tour, you will take a deep dive into the flavorful world of rum, beginning with a welcoming rum punch or the estate's special Hampden Iced Tea. While here, you will learn about the plantation's storied past, wander through the enchanting grounds, and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the distillery, where the rum-making process continues today much as it did 260 years ago. Take a moment to sample the iconic and potent white Rum Fire and the exquisite Hampden Estate Gold, and enjoy freshly pressed sugarcane juice or coconut water. Round out your experience with a sumptuous lunch of jerk chicken accompanied by two Jamaican festival dumplings. Please Note: Guests under 18 years of age are not permitted in the rum sampling area of the tour.