Appleton Estate Reserve 8-Year

Un rhum qui témoigne bien du savoir faire jamaïcain en la matière. Il ne vous laissera pas indifférent. En bouche, vous constaterez un équilibre parfait ! Un rhum affirmé, légèrement doux, avec des flaveurs bien tropicales ! La finale est assez persistante, pour le plus grand bonheur de l’amateur !
Cheers !

This rum surprised me, although I didn’t exactly know what to expect. For clarification, being a HUGE fan of Jamaican rums (the more hogo the better!), I want super impressed with Appleton’s Signature Blend. It’s fine, don’t get me wrong, and I’d surely use it in cocktails, but it’s not being drank neat. I was missing the funk and character of the Jamaicans I so eagerly chase. That all being said, I was hoping the 8 year Reserve would Reserve something a little more special for me. And it did! It had enough funk to remind me of its origin, and a nice smooth, lightly caramel and toffee backbone that begs for another sip. Think Plantation 5 year without the added sweetness/sugars. Superb rum for mixing, or sipping, and particularly at its modest price point.

This rum is really good.
Good for mixing and sipping.
On the nose, we smell brown sugar with a hint of orange zest, vanilla and nutmeg.
The Hogo is here.
The mouth: we find the same flavors with a touch of honey, caramel and pronounced vanilla.

For many years this was my go to rum. I have starting to explore many others these days

Good for the price, would make good cocktails, not that good for sipping (in my opinion). Disclaimer: i am not a fan of the humidity/"hogo" flavor of certain jamaican rums, and it is very present here. A bit harsh.

We did a vertical tasting of the Appleton range from the standard all the way to the 21, and this was the standout rum. A big jump up from the bottom of the range, but only a few dollars more. If you like heavy Jamaican funk, the 12 year may be more your style, but this 8 year is definitely the best value Appleton offer. The 15 would be the most similar step up from this one.

This is nice example of very nice, basic rum for reasonable price. New bottling is also a big improvement compare to previous design. Dark in colour, nice wood in smell and easy to drink.

Disclaimer: novice and of non-discerning taste

I should seek out more rums rated above 6 instead of thinking 7.5+ ratings are required for an enjoyable pour, this rum has taught me. The Appleton 8 year is good and for me quite enjoyable neat, though (without having currently tried side-by-side, will update if I do) I believe I enjoy the (rare casks) 12 year more.

There's a distinct metallic scent on the nose for me, as well as notes of fruit and maybe brown sugar. The metal thankfully doesn't carry over to the palate and there is a nice sweetness along with the fruitiness and some light vegetal notes typical of an Appleton Jamaican rum from my understanding - not too intense like other Jamaicans, but noticeable. Short-medium finish without any burn really.

I will have to try this in a painkiller or some other cocktail, but I'm very glad I've tried this neat and would buy again at $37 CAD for sure.

I like this one straight and in my favorite tiki’s drinks.

To the nose I was getting molasses which I was happy with, but the finish was weird. Maybe it would be better mixed.