Notes: Distilled on the estate in copper pot stills (of a shape/design particular to Jamaica) then aged in oak casks for 12 years (which is a long time for a rum!). See our review of Appleton VX.

Appearance: Dark, deep, old, copper penny dark. the color of the heaviest cooking grade of maple syrup. Clear with no hazing, separation or floating sediments. Long legs develop on swirling.

First Impression: Medium weight body, caramelized molasses, tobacco odors mixed with oak and a whiff of char.

Taste: Complex entry – dry tobacco-like notes mixed with molasses, licorice/anis toffee. Nutty dryish finish medium long.

Drinks: Makes for a complex, slightly smoky, Daiquiri or Papa Doble.Great for any drink calling for a dark rum where you want some more finesse but don’t want to lose the backbone of rum flavors in a drink. Mxes well, holds it’s own- but doesn’t step on other ingredients.

Cigars: You need a good heavy cigar for this one. Hemingway Series in Maduro wrapper would be a good start .

Bottle/Packaging: All of Appletons better rums come in the same slightly pinch waisted bottle with a recessed paper medallion- vaguely similar to a brandy bottle especially Portugese brandy bottles. The labels, neck collars and medallions are of course different. In the case of the Extra bottles, the color is black.

Final Thoughts: A damn nice rum for the money. An excellent choice for a better rum that won’t make you wince about the cost to pour it and enjoy it.

Website:  http://www.appletonrumus.com

After the tedious (and pointless I think) age verification it is quick loading, and somewhat informative. Easy-to-read and navigate.