Mt Gay or Appleton?

I haven't tried the Appleton 21, but I have the 12 and the MG XO, and the latter is much better as a sipper.

Both brands are similar in that they're a blend of pot- and column-still distillates. Between MGXO and A21, for the price, XO wins by a landslide. I think price-wise, Mt. Gay is nearly comparable to Appleton 12. I find that the older Appletons bring a little more funk and a lot more oak. They're both solid brands. If you're comparing to the Appleton 21, I would recommend the Mt. Gay 1703—a fine rum by any standard, and highly recommended.

I totally agree with piratejabez. I was going to write something very similar but he beat me to it. I enjoy both bottles but the A21 is too expensive for me to be a normal go to rum. It is something I enjoy for a special occasion or share when friends or family is visiting.

It would have to do with whether, or not, you enjoy the funky, heavier flavor of Jamaican rum to that of Bajan rum. Their is a big difference in how each is produced.

You cannot go wrong with either, both are superb rums. As others wrote, it depends whether you care for the Jamaican "funk", or if you rather enjoy the lighter Bajan rums.