Spirit Type: Rum

Country: Jamaica

ABV: 43%

Bottle Size: 700ml

Description:

Most people immediately see long age assertions (ten years or more) as positive. It can be a bit of a two-edged sword for Caribbean rum. Although things age much more quickly in such warm regions than in locations like Scotland or even Texas, the lengthier maturation period will allow more esters and barrel flavors to seep into the spirit. And that's what we're observing in this case: the inherent flavors of the spirit's tropical fruits and other characteristics are only now being surpassed by the barrel aging components.

Compared to the signature blend, it is smoother and has better taste integration while still keeping some of the tropical island fruits. But as the components of barrel aging become more prominent, those flavors are beginning to diminish. Also absent is the majority of the Jamaican hogo funk that was present in the characteristic mix. There are compromises to be made, and in my opinion, this strikes the ideal balance for a better overall experience.

It has a very distinct form from the typical liquor or rum bottle, more of a "dad bod" shape. A prominent curvature in the middle of the bottle's roughly oval form makes it easier and more pleasant to grip. It makes sense because there isn't the customary lengthy neck with a bulge to enable bartenders to easily pour. It does have a short neck, which is finished with a wood cap.

The front and rear of the bottle have relatively simple, black labels with the necessary information printed on them; yet, because the labels are so small, they don't obstruct the view of the rum inside. Instead, they effectively accentuate the rum inside, present the Appleton insignia in a little faded and unobtrusive way, and look fantastic doing it.

The first flavors I perceive are vanilla, brown sugar, and a small amount of dark chocolate. The barrel aging characteristics are strong and apparent. They have a good level of saturation and are smooth; they lack the undertone of bitterness I noticed in the younger mix of this rum.

Bananas and pineapple briefly appear, but they are still in the background as the flavors from the barrel aging predominate, with a caramel note appearing toward the finish.

On the aftertaste, I do finally taste some pineapple and a tiny bit of Jamaican "hogo" funk, but not nearly as much as we experienced in the rum's younger expression, which was noted earlier. In some cases, ice can mask a spirit's fruitier and lighter flavors.