ctbeck11
Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12 Year Rum
Aged Rum — Jamaica
Reviewed
January 27, 2021 (edited February 18, 2022)
Nose - overripe banana, pineapple, mint, molasses, leather, coconut, kool-aid, butterscotch, dry grass, vanilla, cinnamon, clove, brown sugar, barrel char, whiff of smoke, sassafras, orange and lemon zest, grape, cherry, moderate ethanol burn.
Taste - orange zest, overripe banana, grape, cherry, plum, brown sugar, vanilla cream, clove, cinnamon, grassy herbal notes, pineapple, coconut, butterscotch, mint, anise, tannic oak, black pepper, ginger, moderate alcohol bite, finishing medium length with overripe, funky fruit, bitter oak, caramel, and vanilla cream flavors.
This is a solid entry into Jamaican rum. The overripe, borderline putrefying fruit notes are present, but they’re not as overwhelming as with some of its peers. These are counterbalanced by some very strong tannic oak, spices, butterscotch, and dark, rich molasses notes.
I think it’s slightly too bitter and oaky, but feel this may be necessary to add depth and keep the experience from being too weirdly cloying. For me, it’s better than good but not quite great. I’m going to round up though, as this was the first quality bottle of rum I bought when I started my tasting journey, so it’s a bit nostalgic for me.
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@cascode I’m not as turned off by it, but agree that the oak is more tannic and bitter than it probably should be.
Out of all the Appleton Estate range this is the only one I really don't like. It's so oaky it almost feels like there is boise added.
@bigwhitemike Under $100 is a steal. Unfortunately it’s been creeping toward $150 for a while near me. I look forward to reading the review once you crack it.
@ctbeck11 I bought a bottle when I found it < $100 but still haven’t opened. I liked the 12 year too much and got desensitized from whiskey and Foursquare prices so figured I’d take the plunge. Will def post a review when I crack it open.
@bigwhitemike It’s definitely a winner, and likely one I’ll restock once I’m out. I’d love to try their 21 Year, but can’t bring myself to drop that much on a rum yet.
@ctbeck11 @Ctrexman I’m still in love with this one. To me it has all the complexity of Diplomatico Reserva but 0 g/L dosage. Deep barrel notes, subdued but present hogo, sweetness, spices, and gobs of tropical fruit. For what you get, just crazy affordable considering I can grab any day for $36 + tax. I thought I might cool with more experience but still tastes great any time I take a nip.
@Ctrexman I really need to revisit Pusser’s. It was one of the first rums I reviewed. I remember liking it, but wasn’t as accustomed to the ‘funk’ as I am now. I bet my rating would increase. It’s also far and away the clear value winner between the two.
@ctbeck11 I liked this a little more than you but agree its a bit oaky dry. I do like the funk though. I think I like Pussers funk even more