Appleton Estate 8 Year Reserve Rum

A lightly spicy, slightly funky Jamaican rum. Delivers all the classic Appleton flavor, with an almost nutmeg and sweet wood finish. Shines on it's own as an easy sipper, thought it would do well in a mix drink.

Just had a sample, but I liked what I tasted!

Neat in a wide-bellied tulip glass. An attractive, dark, orange-y brown that'd be hard to differentiate much from the 12-year. A weighty viscosity that leaves slow and oily legs, albeit only a few. The nose is tropical fruits stewed in brown sugar. Papaya, banana, and pressed cane. Quite rich and nice. The palate seems to mostly validate the nose. Full-flavored. Juicy, sweet, and tangy with plenty of oak. A little metallic around the edges, but the brown sugar and fruit carry the day. Initial tastes had a vein of harshness that mellows as it airs, but the splash of barrel astringency lingers. All told, this is a knockout at a sale price for a (fully tropical) aging of respectable length. I am really smitten by the amazingly affordable 12-year, and this one is much of the same with rougher edges - measurably so, but only slightly. An easy recommendation for unadultered aged Jamaican rum for high-quality cocktails and pleasant to sip. I like the addition of the age statement for the rebranding/release of this product line. Cheers!