Observations: Here we have an excellent example of rum bottled without added flavourings or sugar, as per Jamaican regulations. At 15 years old, it shows excellent maturity without too much oak influence obscuring the spirit character. Although a drier rum than I am accustomed to, the Appleton Estate 21-Year rum has a sweetness to it that becomes most apparent, albeit subtly, when the burn fades. That long finish has flavors that make you want to take another sip...then another...then another... Appleton is a Jamaican sugar estate and rum distillery that has been open since 1749. Its parent company is J. Wray and Nephew, which has been under Campari since 2012. Campari seems to see the rising tides of rum, as they recently acquired French rhum brands Trois Rivieres and La Mauny, too. Appleton is a great distillery and this is a great rum,’ says our buying director Dawn Davies MW. ‘It shows the perfect balance between elegance and power and would be equally enjoyable for someone just dipping their toe into rum as those already in love with the category.’ What’s in the bottle?

In the world of rum, there are few names as well-respected as Joy Spence. Raised in Kingston and studied in chemistry, Joy joined J Wray & Nephew – the owner of Appleton Estate – in 1981. In 1997, her work and talents were recognised when she was promotion to the rank of master blender, making her the first woman across the global sprits industry to ever earn the title. She has created blends for royals and heads of state, she was instrumental in gaining GI status for Jamaican Rum, and she is involved in numerous philanthropic ventures that aid women around the world. Appleton Estate 21 is bottled at 43% ABV – for those wanting Cask or Higher Strength – its unlikely you will get this from a commercial bottler. Sorry. Still this Copper Pot Distilled Jamaican Rum so it should still have plenty bite even at 43% ABV. It is a blend of pot and column distilled rums.Records the default button state of the corresponding category & the status of CCPA. It works only in coordination with the primary cookie. Will it focus on whether it is “worth” the extra money? No because in all honesty such a difference in price cannot really be explained just by the rum being “better”– it is still likely to be too expensive for most to become their regular sipper – something which the 12 can offer (and does a bloody good job of it as well). This cookie is set by Rubicon Project to control synchronization of user identification and exchange of user data between various ad services.

Up to now a vertical taste testing of the Appleton range (including the soon to be renamed Special) has revealed a definite increase in quality with each expression. I have noted that some find the 21 too “oaky”– a deficiency which I have also seen aimed at the 12. The criticism of the 12 I find frankly ridiculous as it one of the best value rums on the market. A true example of a great sipping rum. Still people are entitled to their opinions, though some should keep them only for close family and friends.

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Very serious stuff indeed. It’s a real treat to try a Jamaican rum of this age, especially a rare traditional pot still bottling of Appleton. One for the hardcore rum drinker or the serious spirits collector. To celebrate the occasion, we’re taking a closer look at this award-winning Appleton rum, starting with the most important question of all: What does it taste like?

All in all, though, the biggest takeaway for me in this tasting is my new appreciation for the mid-tier 8 Year Old Reserve—if what Appleton wanted to do in this revamp was get attention on the newest blend, then they’ve done a good job of it. Here’s hoping I can find it for close to MSRP going forward. I admit that I am drawn more to the sweeter rums but there is something about this particular rum that just makes my taste buds smile and do a little jig. Makes my tongue feel weird but jig buds, jig. They dig it! On the nose, the 8 Year Old Reserve is markedly more expressive and mature than the Signature, with notes of grilled pineapple, banana and ginger. There’s a more savory and slightly more wild dimension to this dram, with a greater oak presence and considerably more spice—the slight bump in proof makes itself felt in an appreciable way, lending heft to these flavors. This one strikes me as particularly fruity, with lots of pineapple, citrus and passionfruit notes, closing with a bit of supporting oak tannin.As a direct comparison to the 12 the 21 does have more complexity. It is sweeter and less dry. It has an extra layer of complexity and a few more notes than the 12. Unlike many I do not feel the 21 is over oaked or too old. It really isn’t its a beautifully balanced and skilfully blended rum. In 2012 Appleton Estate 21 was upgraded in terms of presentation from a blue stubby bottle to the decanter style we have now. Other upgrades to the rum came with a cork stopper instead of a metallic screw cap and a more classy canister to store the rum. The decanter style bottle was previously used with the 30 Year Old and Appleton felt the 21 deserved better presentation as well. It is one thing which sets it apart from the 12 Year Old – which is a third of the cost of the 21.