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Classic Appleton product with alle the trademarks. Slightly peppery, caramel and vanilla nose with some oaky overtones. The mouthfeel is a little watered down compared to it’s older siblings, with notes of oak, tobacco, subtle caramel and a bit of a peppery finish. Prefer the older editions, also regarding value.
The bottle I had is labelled “20 Blended Solera” and not “20 años”. I’m guessing it’s the same rum, just labelled differently due to different regulations, or maybe changed as a result of the recent class actions against solera rum producers.
Smells very strongly of sherry or maybe sweet Madeira with a bit of vanilla, tastes like pure oak tea. I don’t get any of the complexity mentioned in other reviews; just an excess of harsh oak tannins.
Not too much burn (might be sugar, might be the tremendous quality of dissolved hemicellulose) and the taste does linger, but it’s the same harsh oak tannins.
From other reviews I was expecting something special; multilayered and complex, but it really isn’t.
I’m not mad, just disappointed.
I want to love this; it’s agricole, it’s Australian and I got it on special for AUD52 for the bottle, but I just can’t.
It’s got a strong nose, but only one note of cut grass. Maybe a tiny bit of a sugary note if I try really hard.
On the tongue it tastes mostly of tails - an unpleasant wet cardboard taste. Not as strong as some other similar rums (Sagitiba Cachaca is strongly wet dog, but still goes nicely in a caipirinha), but with not much else going on.
It follows with a burn that far exceeds what its 40% would indicate, probably more than the 56% Clairin Casimir which was the closest thing I had for comparison.
Tried it in a daiquiri; it was drinkable but I’d prefer almost any other white rum in my cabinet.
If you want an agricole, save your money to put towards a 50+ proof Martinique. Otherwise, follow the instructions on the back of the bottle and drown it in ginger beer.
Preferred this to Bacardi carta blanca. Wouldn’t recommend it neat but goes really well in mojitos, good value for money too
Nice colour. Taste roasted coffee beans and caramel, not overly sweet.
Phenomenal. Smooth. Best on the rocks in a special ocassion
I only had this rum once. In New Orleans. And in Daiquiri made by Chris Hannah. Best Daiquiri I ever had. Now part of that is Chris. But this rum had a wonderful herbal note running through it. So delicious.
Want a big step up in your cocktails. Swap out whatever white rum you are using and use this. Boom. Yes there are more flavorful Clairins out there. Yes this is 80 proof. But it still packs a good funky punch and is easy to balance. Highly recommended.
This may be a slight step up from Plantation 3 Stars and just as mixable. But does not justify the hefty price tag.
What else can be said. It’s not intrusive. Makes a decent Daiquiri. Serviceable in a Hotel Nacional. Works in a Pina Colada. Very versatile and mixable and cheap. But flavor wise? Not much there. Sugar gives good body when mixed.
The most overrated rum? Harsh and uninteresting. I don’t get it. Good stuff comes out of Foursquare. Like the Real McCoy line. Some ECS stuff is good too. But this one? Hard pass. Tastes like old cigarettes.
Straightforward, golden sipping rum…………………………………..
White coloured, but distinct flavour of cacao………….
Smooth, golden sipping rum…………………………………………………………..
6,8:On the nose, the first impression we get are a smoky tropical fruits, a bit sweet, overripe, dry, a bit estery, but tempting. Just as it settles, I becomes metallic and is thiner. Going towards roasted and more medicinal with iodine.
Aeration brings out caramel, wood, burnt sugar and and spices, nuts and dried fruits. Nothing special, but quite ok.
6,7:On the palate, the attack is soft, estery, fruity with overripe tropical fruits as pineapple, maybe kiwi, is spicy and dry with wood and dried fruits. It becomes a bit bitter and acidic, so some tannins are here. The direction goes towards caramel, metallic and roasted notes. There's some dried apricot, some pear, now tastes a bit like fruit schnapps. Later it becomes waxy and smoky.
6,5:The finish is medium length, fruity with tropical fruits and woody, dry, tanninic, spicy and a bit roasted, medicinal notes almost unnoticable.
For the beginners into the world of rums...
Really dark in the glass, with surprisingly thin legs. Full of fruit, smoky and leather. Probably best as a mixer, not really enough in it to drink neat.
Currently £24 a litre at Tesco 👍
This is next level past 2011 last release. Lots of depth love it. Can’t wait till next one.
Ron Zacapa 23
I received this as a gift from a dear friend of mine. The first nose is one of wood with little to no alcohol fume. The first taste is dry with a bit of spice, maybe slight banana, wood is prominent. The finish is short and dry. I do not think this is a very sweet rum. Not one of my favorites and probably wouldn’t purchase it on my own. Someone that is new to sipping rum, would be ok to start with this.
The base is jamaican Rum, but I am positively surprised how they reneated it.
Has more Character and is better than „Havfruen“ from same Brand
Nose: pleasant spices
Palate: aromatic, spicy but not sharp, well balanced, very nice, long lasting aftertaste, good body, a buy.
Vanilla, prunes, banana, nuts and fruity aroma; caramel, vanilla, pepper, molasses and raisins in body; short creamy, salty tail.
Fruity, nuts, raisins and wood in aroma; fruity start, honey herbs, peat in finish of the body; short tail.
Marzipan, chocolate, raisins and dried fruit in aroma; caramel, vanilla, raisins, touch of ginger and pepper in body; average spicy, raisins tail.
Too much bourbon flavour for a rum. All the Plantation rums I've tried have this flaw and Pineapple was the final straw. Can barely feel any pineapple in it. I may not be objective here, but I personally find whiskey abysmal, and these kind of rums are a big no-no for me.
The aroma is very pleasant, smooth, and unmistakably Dominican. It’s rounded, with a complex depth.
As for the flavor, it's wonderfully rich and velvety, with the prominent note being salted caramel on my palate. The buttery toffee notes are lush, with a decadent “extra butter” sort of feel. There are also an intriguing hints reminiscent of Cuban cigars. While not salty per se, this rum carries a savory, slightly "salty" twang. Additionally, the flavor offers a delightful and quite clear mix of sultanas and molasses, with a whisper of orange. Every drop from my glass packs a punch of flavor, whilte still being quite mellow and smooth. The more I indulge, the more the complexity reveals itself.
The finish unveils clear tones of oak, somehow reminiscent of "Innis & Gunn" ale. It’s slightly malty, just sweet enough (but not at all overly sweet) to maintain balance, with no trace of smoke. The finish is long, warm, and layered with rich notes of sultanas and oak, delivering a complex and beautiful aftertaste.
In summary, this rum is a standout, far exceeding my expectations – especially at this price point. I confidently rate it an 8, regardless of price. While it may not be the best rum I’ve ever tasted (there are also “9s” and “10s”, reserved for exceptional quality regardless of price), the value here is undeniable. At only $43 (as of September 2024 from Systembolaget), it offers an absolutely remarkable bang for the buck. In comparison, I used to think that Plantation XO provided the best "value for money" in the world. That's still great, but Imperial Onyx is even cheaper - and dare I say different (no coconut, not as complex), but every bit as good.
In summary: buy a bottle, savor it – and then make sure to stock up. You’ll want to keep this one on hand at all times. Just as a bonus, it won’t cost you a fortune to do so.
Destilováno / Nalahvováno: leden 2018 / říjen 2023
Tento rum je netradičním blendem rumů z čisté šťávy curkové třtiny z Martiniku a melasových rumů z Thajska.
Vyrobeno bylo zřejmě 725 lahví.
Aroma: Kyselé ovoce (červená jablka, červený rybíz, třešně), banány, příjemná zatuchlost, dřevní taniny, závan medu a travnatosti. Zatím vším se stopově zjevují tóny koření.
Chuť: Velmi ovocná, postupně přecházející do dřevitosti, stopově travnatá s příměsí pepřovitosti.
Dozvuk: Klasický agricole - spousta travnatosti, medu, pepře, hořkého dřeva a na závěr sušené ovoce (rozinky, fíky). Delší, příjemně nahořklý.
Sladkost: 0/3
Ochutnán vzorek
Velmi zajímavá směska z Martiniku a Thajska. Poctivých 8/10.
Classic Appleton product with alle the trademarks. Slightly peppery, caramel and vanilla nose with some oaky overtones. The mouthfeel is a little watered down compared to it’s older siblings, with notes of oak, tobacco, subtle caramel and a bit of a peppery finish. Prefer the older editions, also regarding value.
The bottle I had is labelled “20 Blended Solera” and not “20 años”. I’m guessing it’s the same rum, just labelled differently due to different regulations, or maybe changed as a result of the recent class actions against solera rum producers.
Smells very strongly of sherry or maybe sweet Madeira with a bit of vanilla, tastes like pure oak tea. I don’t get any of the complexity mentioned in other reviews; just an excess of harsh oak tannins.
Not too much burn (might be sugar, might be the tremendous quality of dissolved hemicellulose) and the taste does linger, but it’s the same harsh oak tannins.
From other reviews I was expecting something special; multilayered and complex, but it really isn’t.
I’m not mad, just disappointed.
I want to love this; it’s agricole, it’s Australian and I got it on special for AUD52 for the bottle, but I just can’t.
It’s got a strong nose, but only one note of cut grass. Maybe a tiny bit of a sugary note if I try really hard.
On the tongue it tastes mostly of tails - an unpleasant wet cardboard taste. Not as strong as some other similar rums (Sagitiba Cachaca is strongly wet dog, but still goes nicely in a caipirinha), but with not much else going on.
It follows with a burn that far exceeds what its 40% would indicate, probably more than the 56% Clairin Casimir which was the closest thing I had for comparison.
Tried it in a daiquiri; it was drinkable but I’d prefer almost any other white rum in my cabinet.
If you want an agricole, save your money to put towards a 50+ proof Martinique. Otherwise, follow the instructions on the back of the bottle and drown it in ginger beer.
Preferred this to Bacardi carta blanca. Wouldn’t recommend it neat but goes really well in mojitos, good value for money too
Nice colour. Taste roasted coffee beans and caramel, not overly sweet.
Phenomenal. Smooth. Best on the rocks in a special ocassion
I only had this rum once. In New Orleans. And in Daiquiri made by Chris Hannah. Best Daiquiri I ever had. Now part of that is Chris. But this rum had a wonderful herbal note running through it. So delicious.
Want a big step up in your cocktails. Swap out whatever white rum you are using and use this. Boom. Yes there are more flavorful Clairins out there. Yes this is 80 proof. But it still packs a good funky punch and is easy to balance. Highly recommended.
This may be a slight step up from Plantation 3 Stars and just as mixable. But does not justify the hefty price tag.
What else can be said. It’s not intrusive. Makes a decent Daiquiri. Serviceable in a Hotel Nacional. Works in a Pina Colada. Very versatile and mixable and cheap. But flavor wise? Not much there. Sugar gives good body when mixed.
The most overrated rum? Harsh and uninteresting. I don’t get it. Good stuff comes out of Foursquare. Like the Real McCoy line. Some ECS stuff is good too. But this one? Hard pass. Tastes like old cigarettes.
Straightforward, golden sipping rum…………………………………..
White coloured, but distinct flavour of cacao………….
Smooth, golden sipping rum…………………………………………………………..
6,8:On the nose, the first impression we get are a smoky tropical fruits, a bit sweet, overripe, dry, a bit estery, but tempting. Just as it settles, I becomes metallic and is thiner. Going towards roasted and more medicinal with iodine.
Aeration brings out caramel, wood, burnt sugar and and spices, nuts and dried fruits. Nothing special, but quite ok.
6,7:On the palate, the attack is soft, estery, fruity with overripe tropical fruits as pineapple, maybe kiwi, is spicy and dry with wood and dried fruits. It becomes a bit bitter and acidic, so some tannins are here. The direction goes towards caramel, metallic and roasted notes. There's some dried apricot, some pear, now tastes a bit like fruit schnapps. Later it becomes waxy and smoky.
6,5:The finish is medium length, fruity with tropical fruits and woody, dry, tanninic, spicy and a bit roasted, medicinal notes almost unnoticable.
For the beginners into the world of rums...
Really dark in the glass, with surprisingly thin legs. Full of fruit, smoky and leather. Probably best as a mixer, not really enough in it to drink neat.
Currently £24 a litre at Tesco 👍
This is next level past 2011 last release. Lots of depth love it. Can’t wait till next one.
Ron Zacapa 23
I received this as a gift from a dear friend of mine. The first nose is one of wood with little to no alcohol fume. The first taste is dry with a bit of spice, maybe slight banana, wood is prominent. The finish is short and dry. I do not think this is a very sweet rum. Not one of my favorites and probably wouldn’t purchase it on my own. Someone that is new to sipping rum, would be ok to start with this.
The base is jamaican Rum, but I am positively surprised how they reneated it.
Has more Character and is better than „Havfruen“ from same Brand
Nose: pleasant spices
Palate: aromatic, spicy but not sharp, well balanced, very nice, long lasting aftertaste, good body, a buy.
Vanilla, prunes, banana, nuts and fruity aroma; caramel, vanilla, pepper, molasses and raisins in body; short creamy, salty tail.
Fruity, nuts, raisins and wood in aroma; fruity start, honey herbs, peat in finish of the body; short tail.
Marzipan, chocolate, raisins and dried fruit in aroma; caramel, vanilla, raisins, touch of ginger and pepper in body; average spicy, raisins tail.
Too much bourbon flavour for a rum. All the Plantation rums I've tried have this flaw and Pineapple was the final straw. Can barely feel any pineapple in it. I may not be objective here, but I personally find whiskey abysmal, and these kind of rums are a big no-no for me.
The aroma is very pleasant, smooth, and unmistakably Dominican. It’s rounded, with a complex depth.
As for the flavor, it's wonderfully rich and velvety, with the prominent note being salted caramel on my palate. The buttery toffee notes are lush, with a decadent “extra butter” sort of feel. There are also an intriguing hints reminiscent of Cuban cigars. While not salty per se, this rum carries a savory, slightly "salty" twang. Additionally, the flavor offers a delightful and quite clear mix of sultanas and molasses, with a whisper of orange. Every drop from my glass packs a punch of flavor, whilte still being quite mellow and smooth. The more I indulge, the more the complexity reveals itself.
The finish unveils clear tones of oak, somehow reminiscent of "Innis & Gunn" ale. It’s slightly malty, just sweet enough (but not at all overly sweet) to maintain balance, with no trace of smoke. The finish is long, warm, and layered with rich notes of sultanas and oak, delivering a complex and beautiful aftertaste.
In summary, this rum is a standout, far exceeding my expectations – especially at this price point. I confidently rate it an 8, regardless of price. While it may not be the best rum I’ve ever tasted (there are also “9s” and “10s”, reserved for exceptional quality regardless of price), the value here is undeniable. At only $43 (as of September 2024 from Systembolaget), it offers an absolutely remarkable bang for the buck. In comparison, I used to think that Plantation XO provided the best "value for money" in the world. That's still great, but Imperial Onyx is even cheaper - and dare I say different (no coconut, not as complex), but every bit as good.
In summary: buy a bottle, savor it – and then make sure to stock up. You’ll want to keep this one on hand at all times. Just as a bonus, it won’t cost you a fortune to do so.
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Destilováno / Nalahvováno: leden 2018 / říjen 2023
Tento rum je netradičním blendem rumů z čisté šťávy curkové třtiny z Martiniku a melasových rumů z Thajska.
Vyrobeno bylo zřejmě 725 lahví.
Aroma: Kyselé ovoce (červená jablka, červený rybíz, třešně), banány, příjemná zatuchlost, dřevní taniny, závan medu a travnatosti. Zatím vším se stopově zjevují tóny koření.
Chuť: Velmi ovocná, postupně přecházející do dřevitosti, stopově travnatá s příměsí pepřovitosti.
Dozvuk: Klasický agricole - spousta travnatosti, medu, pepře, hořkého dřeva a na závěr sušené ovoce (rozinky, fíky). Delší, příjemně nahořklý.
Sladkost: 0/3
Ochutnán vzorek
Velmi zajímavá směska z Martiniku a Thajska. Poctivých 8/10.