Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12-Year

Taking a sniff at this I immediately thought ‘molasses’ and then I thought well yea, it’s a rum dummy, but the aroma is very strong.

Tasting it and my first reaction was that it was a bit harsher than I expected but I quickly replaced that with a simple mmmmm. It is a full flavoured rum, I get a strong smokiness, something coffee like and even though this is not a sweet rum there is something in the background I can’t place that seems to be hinting at sweetnes (I apologise if your reading this for proper tasting notes).

I threw in a couple of ice cubes and it mellowed the drink, taking away the slight alcohol burn that’s in there and that’s how I continue to enjoy it.

The perfect introduction to the funky Jamaican rums, yet still a premium spirit for both sipping and mixing. It doesn’t taste as much moonshine-y as Rum-Bar or Smith & Cross, meaning it’s the ideal rum for the newbies. You’ll want to drink four Mai Tais in a row.

If you've never had Jamaican rum this is a good one to start with since the "funk" isn't too overwhelming. It's very smooth and doesn't have a harsh afterburn like many of the other Jamaican rums. I use this primarily as a sipper but it's affordable enough to also use as a mixer.

It’s good, don’t get me wrong I’d happily drink lots of it, but the earth did not move for me.

I mix tiki and Caribbean cocktails and this offering by Appleton is my go to for most drinks. I really enjoy sipping it or in a simple rum, sugar and lime mix, the unmistakable flavor of banana and other fermented fruit always works in exotic drinks. It is a bit strong for sipping but I enjoy it from time to time.

Jamaica is known for its funky rums, which can be overpowering for beginners. This rum is not nearly as funky as the Jamaican rums can get, so it is a good start for beginners in the Jamaican style

Nose: Molasses, burnt wood and brown sugar
Taste: Caramalized bananas, molasses and a hint of wood
Overall: This fills the mouth instantly with its big and flavourful taste. The aroma would make you think that this is a very sweet rum, which isn´t the case.

nice sipper to relax with. It's sweet yet also has a nice kick. Wont be mixing this as it doesn't need any help.

A good example of Jamaican rum.Good for sipping or mixing.
Sweet and spicy.

Lots going on here, flavour hit like a hammer. Mixing mine with coke and ice and it’s very good. Flavour just goes on and on . Wish I had a good cigar. The price is great too

Grabbed a bottle of this after my honeymoon to Jamaica! Enjoyed it very much! This rum brought me to dark spirits. Over the years I strayed away from rum to whiskey but am venturing back and plan to revisit the Appleton lineup for a revised rating/review!