Appleton Estate Rare Blend (12yo)

Appleton Estate is a classic jamaican rum and, for a lot of people, an introduction to what good rum can be. They make the respectable move of being honest about their age statements, something not to be understated in the rum world, and while they bottle their spirit at a low proof, they do not stoop all the way to basement proof. They don’t backsweeten. All of these things are markers of honesty, and, in turn, quality which I’ve come to look for in the world of rum. One could make a fair complaint about their use of E150, but given everything else they’ve got going for them, this seems a rather minor complaint.

This is their 12 year old (actually 12 years old!) Rare Blend, a standard and easily available product in their line.

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Distiller: Appleton Estate (Campari)
ABV: 43%
Age: 12yo
Cask type: First fill Jack Daniels bourbon (don’t even start) barrels
Source: Pour at Statsraaden Bar, Bergen, Norway
Setting: Unblind

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Nose: Oak, banana, treacle, apple pie with baking spice, cinnamon. Classic and fantastic. I have to wonder if that banana is coming from the JD casks :P
Palate: Cinnamon apple on waffles. Light and pillowy.
Finish: Finishes with burnt caramel and batter with a good length.
Overall: A classic, and it’s easy to taste why. A great spicy and wood forward rum that any bourbon drinker would appreciate.
Rank: 6