Review by: The Auditor

Review #1199; Rum# 153

This is a sample I received blind, took my notes, and then was revealed the bottle.

Here we have a sample of a Appleton Hearts bottling. This rum is a long aged molasses rum from Appleton Estate bottled in partnership with Velier. This rum was distilled in 1994 from molasses on a pot till, aged for 26 years in Jamaica in ex-bourbon casks, then bottled at cask strength with no additives.

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Distillery: Appleton Estate

Bottler: Velier x Appleton

Region: Jamaica

Still: Pot

Cask: Ex-Bourbon 26 Years in Jamaica

ABV: 60%

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Nose: Raspberry, Motor Oil, Dark Chocolate, Cherry Cough Syrup, Lime Juice, Currants

Palate:   Thick oily mouthfeel, Raspberry, Cherry Cough Syrup, Motor Oil, Dark Chocolate, Apple, passionfruit, Lime juice

Finish: Long finish, Cherry Cough Syrup, Touch of asphalt, Motor Oil, Dark Chocolate, Black pepper, touch of vegetal on the end

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Conclusion: This is quite tasty. It is very sour and acidic, with a touch of lemon and fruits. The Star Anise is quite pungent as well, with some industrial notes poking in and out. Man, this is one that just sits and develops as you tease more and more notes out of it.

Guess: Savanna Grand Arome, Aged, 11-13 Years, ex-cognac cask, 57-60%

Reveal: Man I was worlds and way off here. Still a very delicious rum and a standout, but this was a pretty darn big miss.

Final Score: 91

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
• 50-59: Save it for mixing.
• 0-49: Blech.