Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12-Year

very tasty and good smelling...like it..due to its strenght (43%) still smooth..

I've drank the 21and think for a third of the price this holds it own, dry and bold with a great nose it's a must try.

Nice taste for start of degustation. Is very dry, but not bad.

I thought this one won't be good when I first taste it but on the second/third thought this one is really good. Recommended to leave it breath for 5-10 minutes before drinking...

Appleton also makes a 12 year old that is not labelled "rare". This is not the same expression as the other 12 year old and despite the label "rare" is inferior in taste.

Zusammen mit dem Flor de Cana 12 ist der Appleton Rare Blend 12 Years mein Favorit. Da ich Rum nur pur trinke hat er alles, was das Trinken eines Rums als Erlebnis gelten lässt.

I like this rhum very much. I try this one in Bar'H Chic located in Policoro, Italy. With a toscan cigar, vert good experience.

The aroma is strong: berry jam. Classic dry taste, 43% burns seriously. It gives warmth and strength. Heavy within normal limits. The effect of confidence, calm.
Awesome tuba.

Having become a Foursquare fan, I am usually sceptical about blends.
Two things caught my attention and made me reconsider:
Unlike Solera rums, Appleton's age statements are the MINIMUM age of the rum included, not the oldest.
Jamaican law prohibits adding sugar.
The parent company Campari has completed a rebranding process for their 3 younger products in 2019, which now calls this "rare blend". The label has changed - the contents has not.
Nice cardboard tube, chunky bottle, makes a nice present. Screwcap. Aged in American oak after blending.

Dark amber / mahagony colour.
Lovely complex nose of ripe fruit and nuts.
The typical Jamaican funk of volatile esters is very restrained, not the bursting over ripe banana of a Hampden or Mezan. It delivers the aromas gently and beautifully.
Same in the mouth. Gentle, full aromas, not overpowered by the 43% alcohol.
The fruity notes carry over into to woody tones from the oak barrels, which linger.
This is a dry rum (sweetness 1/5)
Gentle burn.
In summary a very high quality rum full of flavour but of understated Jamaican character.
Considering that in 2019 it costs around £35 in the UK, maybe it should score a 9. Great stuff.

Hvis man ikke er så meget til rom fra Jamica, er dette en god start.