Appleton Estate 50 Year Old Jamaica Rum – Jamaica Independence Reserve is a bottling that has been planned since before the island gained its independence from the United Kingdom on August 6, 1962. Spence was going to take no chances the spirit would reach its semi-centennial intact. “I felt like Atlas the whole time,” she says, in reference to the Greek god fabled to have born the heavens on his shoulders.

We’re glad Spence made the effort. The rum is of historic caliber with a range of flavors and overall gravity that befits its 50 years in oak, but without being too tannic.

Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum is proud to announce the release of a world first in Rum, the very rare Limited Edition Appleton Estate 50 Year Old Jamaica Rum –

Jamaica Independence Reserve  

Appleton Estate 50 Year Old Jamaica Rum – Jamaica Independence Reserve comprises rums that have been aged for a minimum of 50 years in hand selected, oak barrels and it is believed to be the oldest rum available for sale in the world. Only 800 bottles of this very rare, Limited Edition bottling will be made available for sale around the world!

The bottle is a crystal decanter, produced by Glencairn Crystal of the United Kingdom and designed after the curvaceous shape of other Appleton vessels. The brass and cork stopper is finished in gold, and gold screen printing on the bottle reflects a host of national symbols of Jamaica.

The rum is presented in a black lacquered gift box with gold-finished brass hinges. It contains a commemorative booklet that outlines Jamaica’s march to Independence and the journey of the 50-year-old rum.

APPEARANCE: Dense, dark amber, almost molasses color, with a hint of green-tinged copper. Chunky legs that take forever to make their way down the glass.

NOSE: Solid honey and molasses aromas are joined by banana, soft spices and a graham cracker note.

PALATE: Licorice hits the tip of the tongue and then explodes across the palate with hints of maple sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, more banana and honey.

FINISH: The finale is where this lovely rum distinguishes itself, insistently going on and on like a pinball game where the ball would rather continue to light up the bumpers (in this case the above tasting notes) again and again than to drop.

My Father Flor de las Antillas (90 points, Cigar Insider)
Juan Lopez Selección No. 2 (92 points, Cigar Insider)