Appleton Estate 50-Year

Very nice sweet and smooth aroma with vanilla tones. Taste is same perfect ballanced, complex and swweter (but no too much) turning in wooden tannine aftertaste (aftertaste similar to 30y).
I was so lucky to get and taste one sample.

Now Im not just throwing full marks at this because its fifty years old, but the concept of it does get it at least 1 point. The oldest rum available to buy and as there are only 500 of the 800 bottles made still available im not sure im even going to get the chance to try this again! Lucky enough to be part of a private tasting which was awesome, i was really able to take my time and enjoy this one properly. As you can imagine with a rum of this age its very dark mahogany appearance and incredible legs show off the viscosity before sticking your nose into that powerful oak with a balanced undertone of cinnamon and vanilla alongside of touch of citrus zest which follow into tasting the first sip. Incredibly smooth and long lasting, it really is a lovely finish on such a remarkable product. And the complexity of it all i must add really worked with the rich dark chocolate that was handed out with it. Although i only had a nibble before finishing my rum, it really did bring out the sweeter notes of cocoa and caramel which were rounded off beautifully. Spose i should get saving if i want one of my own... :-D

In honor of Jamaica's 50th celebration of independence, the iconic Appleton Estate brand of rum was issued -- a very limited release of a 50 year old rum -- to commemorate the special occasion.

The Appleton Estate 50 Year Old Jamaica Rum, known as Jamaica Independence Reserve, comprises rums which have been aged for a minimum of 50 years in oak barrels. The rums that make up this blend were specifically set down to age to celebrate this important occasion.

This very rare, limited edition rum was launched on June 7, 2012 at Jamaica House in Kingston, Jamaica and was attended by a number of dignitaries including the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Honorable Portia Simpson-Miller.

So, I've been a rum conissuer since 2010....by no means an expert, but I have had more than my fair share of rations. All this to say that my review isn't based on the jaw dropping price or the age statement. ....strictly on taste. I shared my small 100ml sample bottle with a rum group at Appleton Estate and Joy herself. But don't get your hopes up.....I brought this bottle from home (not something the Distillery will have). My first thoughts when tasting is how amazingly smooth it is.....then realizing that there is a noticeable lack ok heavy oak (especially for such a long aging time). Next the flavors hit....chocolate, toffee, and honey tones. This was an utmost relief as I blindly purchased two full size bottles without having tasted the rum inside. So I am relieved to know I now own two bottles of what I consider to be the best tasting rum ever!

It's not everyday you get a chance at something like this so if you see it at a bar then you really need to splurge. It's not overly oaked but instead a very deep profile of spices and slight hogo. Remarkable rum.

I've had my fare share of rums over the years and while enjoying an Appleton and coke on a friends dock had mentioned how much I'd love to try this very rare rum. He happened to have a bottle and cracked it open to pour two neat for us to enjoy. It was the smoothest and most flavorful rums I've ever had. I'd love to taste it again but my piggy bank isn't that big.

Was fortunate to get a shot of this rum. Think I took about three hours to finish that shot - wanted it to last as long as possible! Simply the richest, smoothest, most flavorful rum ever. Perfect. Only “10” I’ve ever come across! 🏴‍☠️

For a rum that has spent as long in oak as this one (minimum of 50 years, maximum of 55) Appleton Estate 50 Year demonstrates true elegance. Wonderfully balanced this rum shows a beautiful spice and citrus entry which is rounded out by the oak and then an incredibly long finish with hints of tobacco.

Nose: Honey, molasses notes accompanied by banana, mild spices.
Palate: Maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, banana and honey.
Finish: a very nice and very long finish.

Incredible flavor, beautiful aroma, and splendid color