Review
96
Reddish amber in color. A nose of perfume, pine, dates, peaches, cloves, and orange peel. Measured, smooth opening that blossoms into a rich mouthfeel. Overall remains medium in body. Raisin, silky oak, lemon, and spice notes. On the back of the palate, transitions to leather, some smoke, licorice, and smooth, warm heat. There is a lot going on here--complex with several layers. Tails with hints of jasmine, rice pudding, and green tea with a long 3-4 minute finish. Tasted 5/6/2007.
Notes
I just had a big glass of Appleton Estate 21 Year Rum to celebrate my birthday, and I had to write down what I experienced. This is probably the best rum I've ever had up to this point. One way to describe this rum is that it keeps going and going. On your palate, this rum delivers layer after layer of complexity.
But before you even take a sip, you have aromas of macadamia nuts and wet earth--like you're in a cellar or a wood paneled library in a 300 year old English manor house.
Then you have intense spice on the palate--cinnamon and other dark baking spices. It's like sucking on a good cinnamon stick.
Even with all these aromas and flavors percolating in your nose and on your palate, Appleton 21 still has a very round, velvet mouth feel. There are spikes of oak, spice, and other flavors, but the overall structure is balanced and smooth.
You get to experience the sip you take for quite a long time. You're rewarded with about a five minute finish. Appleton 21 lingers in the roof and sides of your mouth.
If you are lucky enough to try Appleton 21, be sure to let it breathe a bit before you drink it. Because this rum is so concentrated and tight at first, it helps to let it open up, especially if you are opening a new bottle. Swirl it in the glass, swish it on your palate. Take your time.
This fine aged rum is a rare product of J. Wray & Nephew Ltd., proprietor of the Appleton Estate, where rum has been estate distilled and hand blended since 1749. Born in old copper stills and aged in oak casks for a minimum of 21 years, the rich full flavour of Appleton Estate 21 Years old is the ultimate expression of the rum maker's art.
The rums that make up Appleton Estate 21 Year Old Jamaica Rum have been carefully selected for the unique character, flavour and bouquet that they bring to the blend, and each rum has been aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 21 years.
When the rums have aged to perfection they are hand-blended and then placed in oak vats for one year to allow the blend to "marry". When the character, flavour and bouquet of the rums have fused together, the blend is certified for bottling.
From the bottle
A rare blend of some of the world's finest aged rums, Appleton Estate 21 Year Old Jamaica Rum is a smooth sipping rum that will leave a lasting impression on even the most discerning of palates. The rums in Appleton Estate 21 Year Old, each aged a minimum of 21 years, bring their own special characteristics together into a truly glorious harmony. This is a rum of finesse and character, powerful without being overpowering, delicate, complex and aromatic.
From the manufacturer's website