economy
January 22, 2026
Rum is booming but only Jamaican classics have the true funk
Spiced rums are a hit but the traditional blends outshine them all
TL;DR
- Hurricane Melissa damaged Hampden Estate in Jamaica, raising concerns about its traditional rum production methods, including the use of 'dunder' and 'muck'.
- Traditional Jamaican rum, like that from Hampden Estate, achieves its distinctive flavor ('hogo') through unique fermentation processes using wild yeasts and leftover liquids from distillation.
- While spiced rum is popular, there's a counter-trend for distilleries to emphasize their distinct traditions, with Jamaica gaining Geographical Indication for rum in 2016.
- Appleton Estate, Jamaica's oldest distillery, now ages all its rums on the island, and Worthy Park revives sugar cane production for its rum.
- Wray & Nephew Overproof is highlighted as an iconic and popular Jamaican rum, best mixed with grapefruit soda.
- Several specific Jamaican rums are recommended with tasting notes and purchasing information: Hampden Estate 1753, Appleton 8-Year Old Reserve Blend, Worthy Park Single Estate Reserve, and Wray & Nephew Overproof.
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