Notes: A blend of over 20 aged rums that are distilled on the estate in copper pot stills (of a shape and design particular to Jamaica) then aged in oak casks for for various periods then bottled. Part of the increasing portfolio of Appleton Estate Rums which include Appleton White, Appleton Special, Appleton Extra, Appleton VX and Appleton 21.

Appearance: Deep amber, copper/bronze. Clear with no hazing, separation or floating sediments. Long legs develop on swirling.

First Impression: Caramelized molasses, honey, tobacco pipe tobacco, dried candied fruits (think heavy fruit cake), ginger and spices. Slight off/varnish notes after a while.

Taste: Medium-weight body, sweet start mixed with tobacco notes, molasses, licorice/anis, toffee. Nut-like notes at the finish with a molasses/slight sulfur lingering tang. Finish is 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. Mixes relatively well if a bit heavy.

Cigars: You need a medium to heavy cigar for this one. Hemingway Series in natural wrapper or a Punch would be a good start .

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

Final Thoughts: A decent rum for the money, but not one to get excited about. Better than a lot of the bigger boy’s products at the price point, but it doesn’t excite me. I am not a huge fan of the Jamaican Rum taste profiles so you may take this pronouncement with a grain of salt if you are a fan of them.

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.