Appleton Estate Reserve 8-Year

I liked this even more upon revisiting it. Similar mild funk to the Signature but with much more pronounced oak, spice, bitter orange, and stone fruit notes. Tastes significantly more refined, plays super well in cocktails... for ~$30 what's not to love?

Finally tried the 8-year offering from Appleton and it's a very impressive rum. I think I like it better than the 12 year, but I admit I have a bias for funkier rums. This one definitely brings a little funk to the table, more than I would've come to expect from Appleton - they were not afraid to let the Jamaican character out a bit on this one, while still keeping it in the corral of a standard aged rum product. Very smooth when sipped neat and great as a mixer. I'll likely be keeping a bottle of this in stock regularly.

I'm not sure I understand it, but I'm willing to try this again.

Tiki cocktails that need a moderately aged Jamaican rum recommend this as superior to Signature because it has a more Jamaican funk characteristic.

I HATE Jamaican funk flavor. Yet, I found this to be bland and flat. Not a lot of character, just bland. I was going to try Signature next, but I'm not sure I see the point if it's milder.

hard to ignore the value this bottle brings to the bar. A perfectly acceptable sipping rum but mixes well. The Appleton name brings a confidence this rum delivers on many levels. Bottle doesn't jump out like Flor de Cana which I would say has very similar character and attributes. Hard to resist on sale but there are lots of other similar rated rums out there to discover once you have tried this.

VX is my a great go to for mixing. 8 refines the mix a bit and has more presence. I didnt enjoy solo, but loved in a mix.

The only rum I drink when I'm in Jamaica. Fantastic for everyday rum & coke with a lime wedge. Great spice flavors with a hint of oak. For sipping I move up to the 15yr or older.

Love this Jamaican rum. Most Jamaican rums seem to have a somewhat similar aura - slightly sweet, full-bodied, and intense. And the color is great. This rum reminds me very much of Appleton V/X, which was discontinued several years ago. V/X had been my 'go to' rum for years. I am very happy to have Appleton 8 in my lineup. Nice job.

This one is great when out with friends. Goes well with most meals. Smooth and not too much kick.

Perfect for those times you want a rum with a little punch but you're not ready for something stronger. Also good for newbies who wants to approach Jamaican rums. If you like a good punch in the throat and had your share of experience with Jamaican rums avoid this one, save your money for something better.

There is some "funk" smell - reminds me of honey and pineapple - taste is smooth initially with pepper bite at the end, some funk - not sure I want it as a sipper - have used in cocktails and is good there. Part of a split base in a mai tai worked really well.