Speciality Brands, the award-winning premium spirits distributor, has brought a range of new premium rums to the UK market – four from Transcontinental Rum Line and two from Hampden Estate.

Chris Seale, Managing Director of Speciality Brands, says: “We’re thrilled to be adding new premium rums from Transcontinental Rum Line and Hampden Estate to our portfolio. These not only strengthen our position at the premium end of the market, but also allow us to offer both our customers and enthusiasts in the UK the chance to discover exceptional spirits from a range of well-known rum producing territories.”

The Transcontinental Rum Line embodies the rich diversity that can be found in the world of rum production, and is inspired by the practice of ageing rum in both tropical and European climates. With a commitment to transparency, the range distinguishes itself by refraining from the addition of sugar or colouring, while ensuring clarity regarding ageing conditions.

The four expressions joining the Speciality Brands portfolio are:

Australia 2014 (48% ABV, RRP £57)

This rum was distilled in Queensland, Australia, in 2014 from fermented molasses using only a pot still. Following a five-year ageing period in ex-bourbon barrels in Australia, it was then sent to France for further ageing in an ex-Cognac foudre. This expression has notes of pastries and roasted coffee beans on the palate, with peppermint and orange zest on the finish.

Panama 2015 (43% ABV, RRP £57)

Crafted from fermented molasses and distilled in column stills, this Panamanian rum showcases the regional style with six full years of ageing in tropical conditions near the Panama Canal. Expect a powerful palate with hints of sugar cane, salted butter, ginger, and a finish of chocolate and roasted coffee.

Jamaica 2016 (57.8% ABV, RRP £73)

Distilled in pot stills in 2016 in the Lluidas Vale Distillery of Jamaica from fermented molasses, this Jamaican rum was aged for four years in tropical conditions at the distillery before undergoing an additional year of ageing in the mild European climate. Rich and smoky, it boasts a lively palate of bitter orange, ginger, infused herbs, and a finish with lingering notes of pine, star anise, and smoke.

French West Indies VO (46% ABV, RRP £55)

Produced in the French West Indies, this rum was distilled in a traditional creole column from a sugar cane juice fermentation. Defined as a VO - or Very Old - rum, which must be aged for at last three years, this rum initially matured in the tropics before being shipped to Europe for additional ageing. It is a balanced and elegant rum with honey, pepper, and wood notes.

Founded in 1753, Hampden Estate has been distilling rum for almost three centuries in the Trelawny Parish, historically known as the grand cru of Jamaican rum. To this day, they use the same production processes as those developed in the 19^th century. Globally renowned for its full, intensely flavourful rums, Hampden Estate has always produced heavy pot still rums, using unique methods that guarantee its signature funky and fruity flavour profile.

The two new rums from Hampden Estate are:

Hampden Pagos (52% ABV, RRP £79.00)

Hampden Estate Pagos is the first bottling from the distillery to be aged exclusively in sherry casks. The rum is born out of a partnership with Bodegas Fundador in Jerez, using prestigious Oloroso sherry butts. The result is a deep and rich rum with notes of cane sugar, vanilla pods, and cocoa beans on the palate, leading to a long finish with notes of light tobacco and lime blossom.

Hampden Estate Great House Distillery Edition 2023 (57% ABV, RRP: £115.00)

This is the fifth release of the exclusive distillery edition; a tribute to the distillery’s Great House, built in 1779 by the Stirling family and still standing in its original form. Made from a blend of different marks, this bottling is produced to a recipe that changes yearly and showcases notes of camphor and lemon with a milky, subtly fresh finish of coconut and ginger.