Appleton Estate is one of the more ubiquitous, quality, rums around I would argue. And the one brand I would bet your non-rum-drinking friends might know. This rum highlights their uncanny ability to produce a lot, relatively, of rum and still make some EXCEPTIONAL stuff! At a very affordable price point to boot (under $70) for what you’re getting.
The name comes from the river that’s the water source for the distillery. And I think it’s appropriate that it has a name! It deserves one! And not just because it’s a 15yo (as a review for those less familiar – in Jamaica that means the YOUNGEST rum in the blend is aged for 15 years). But, because this is a sleeper – in the sense I have not heard anyone really hyping it up, but it’s one of the best rums I’ve tried. So go get a bottle or two before it’s hard to find!
Without further adieu, here’s the review. Well done Ms. Spence!
Color/Appearance
Perfect gold color!
Score: 5
Smell/Aroma
1st sniff – very very slightly astringent, bright and fruity, good amount of booze faint spices, light caramel, decent amount of vanilla, and a rumor of funk – smells great!
2nd sniff, 2-3 minutes – nice warm candied fruit (ripe bananas, faint raspberry) no astringency, pleasant boozy vanilla
3rd sniff, 8-10 minutes – all warm spices, vanilla and burnt sugar (creme brulee/flan!)
Score: 5
Taste/Flavor/Mouthfeel
– fruit fruit fruit! on the front, warm booze in the middle, mellow spices on the back fading into vanilla and barrel notes
– a little bit of bubblegum in the late middle
– barrel becomes less pronounced/more complex after palate becomes adjusted to it, little bit of smoke, some good green apple
– incredibly smooth, zero burn – just a little cinnamon infused heat on the end
– medium bodied mouthfeel
Score: 4.5
Experience
One of the best noses, hands down! And manages to taste like it smells! Nice and smooth, one of the best sipping rums I’ve had! Finish was the only little hiccup or this may have been a perfect score. BUY IT AND DRINK IT!
Score = 4.5
Overall = 5
Cumulative = 19/20
Daiquiri Test:
4/5 – but don’t waste it!
rummerchant 