Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve (70cl, 43%)

An aged Jamaican rum combining pot still and column still distillates, matured for at least eight years in tropical Jamaica. The age statement refers to the youngest rum in the blend, not an average. It is bottled at 43% ABV in a 70cl bottle and contains no added flavourings. Appleton Estate is located in the Nassau Valley. Production begins with molasses, water from the estate's own natural spring and a proprietary yeast culture; the spring water is naturally filtered through limestone. Distillation combines traditional copper pot stills with column stills, and the rum matures in American white oak bourbon casks. The nose shows spicy fruit and oak, followed by honey, vanilla, festive spices and orange peel. On the palate, fruit and spice are balanced, with fig notes. The finish is soft and balanced, with a hint of molasses and warm oak, plus crème caramel, toffee and vanilla.