Appleton Estate 8 Year Reserve Rum

P: 85

The typical Appleton flavor notes of molasses and overripe fruit are more pronounced than in Signature, formerly known as VX, but not as smooth as Appleton Estate 12 Year Rare Casks, formerly known as Rare Blend 12 Year. The Appleton Estate 8 Year Reserve is a nicer sipper than Signature but, contrary to what many reviewers might say, doesn’t live up to the 12 year.

86 proof. Not as sweet as other rums

Vibrant spiced aromas of clove, nutmeg, cola, orange peel, vanilla, and dried mango. Fairly rich, oily mouthfeel. On the palate, returning orange peel, clove, nutmeg, and vanilla notes are joined by juicy apricot and a raisin-y touch of hogo. Long finish with some mild heat. 3.50/5.00 – Impressive (neat)

I've enjoyed this 8-year release more than the 12-year one. It's really sweet but not drastically, with a lot of molasses on the palate. It restored my faith in Jamaican rum! Appleton Estate has a storied history that adds to the richness of their rums. The estate is nestled in Jamaica's Nassau Valley, a lush and fertile region ideal for sugarcane cultivation. This location has been producing rum since 1749, making Appleton Estate one of the oldest and most respected distilleries in the Caribbean. The distinct molasses flavor in this 8-year-old rum harks back to the traditional methods of rum-making that Appleton has preserved over centuries. Molasses, a by-product of sugarcane, has been a staple ingredient in Jamaican rum since the 17th century when sugarcane plantations flourished under British colonial rule. What makes Jamaican rum, particularly from Appleton Estate, unique is the use of limestone-filtered water from their estate's natural spring, along with the tropical aging process. The warm, humid climate accelerates the aging process, giving the rum a depth and complexity that is truly unique to the region. Moreover, Appleton's commitment to quality is evident in their use of copper pot stills, which impart a distinctive character and richness to the rum. This traditional distillation method ensures that each sip is a tribute to the heritage and craftsmanship of Jamaican rum-making. The 8-year-old rum's balanced sweetness and rich molasses notes not only provide a delightful drinking experience but also connect you to the vibrant history and culture of Jamaica. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of Appleton Estate and the island's significant role in the history of rum.

Banana, molasses, oak

The Appleton 8yr reserve is a solid rum, nothing special, but very reliable in cocktails. The funk or hogo you expect from most Jamaican rums is not present here. If a recipe calls for aged rum, this should do fine, but if they specify Jamaican rum then I would probably go with another Jamaican rum like Smith & Cross. The only real Appleton rum that has any funk in the normal lineup is the Appleton Special (Gold) which I believe has been renamed Kingston 62 or something. On the nose I get black tea and some coconut. The palate has the classic oak and caramel, along with some allspice and pepper. The spicier notes come through on the finish as well, followed by a touch of sweetness and little to no burn. It's a very well-balanced rum. If you are expecting a unique rum experience, I don't think you will find it here. This is more of an everyday type of drink. It's not very complex, but it is very well made. Just looking at this neat, I would give it a 2.5, but the use in cocktails that call for aged rum makes this more valuable than that and at the price it's hard to beat. Again though, if you plan to make cocktails that call for Jamaican rum specifically, I would look for another Jamaican rum since this does not have any real funk whatsoever.