Appleton Extra has become one of my favorite rums. I long avoided buying this one as I somehow perceived this as nice but rather ordinary. Boy was I wrong. Appleton Extra constitutes my second style reference: Jamaican Aromatic; it is well reviewed. Accordingly I felt I really ought to own it, and did so. When I finally twisted off that cap at then end of a night of MGXO I almost fell off the couch. The aroma! My god it just wouldn't quit. Honestly, I could have just nosed it for the rest of the night, and practically did. The reviews:
Sue Sea:
Me: I love Appleton Extra and it is a terrific representative of the Jamaican aromatic style. Although Barbadian represent the original classic rum from which all others flowed, it was not long before aromatic Jamaican rums became the preferred premium rum in the Colonies. Preferred by George Washington, Franklin et al. Appleton is a very old company dating from the mid 1700's and has a long and stubbornly admirable commitment to their wonderful rums.Appleton Extra just knocked me out, this is a real rum and I understand why it was not long before Jamaican rum became the preferred premium rum in the early days. Aromawise my first impression was of vanilla and orange or cherry blossoms in a spring rain. If you live in Florida, perhaps you have a "frangipans" flowering tree. On reflection I picked up black cherry, oak and toasted almonds. Extra is full bodied and smooth, and tastes of pepper with an explosive aromatic release of spice, caramel and citrus (pineapple). Actually pretty complex. The finish is the weakest link: abrupt and peppery - not warm, not smokey - which quickly fades to leave a mild lingering and pleasant orange peel and smoky cigar aftertaste.
Appleton Extra is a glowing darker amber, with slow legs. Its aroma is very smooth and aromatic: vanilla, oak, deep fruit sweetness and a bit of leather. The taste is equally smooth and entirely consistent, with a light peppery end palate. Sue Sea and I disagree about the finish and aftertaste. She attributes the length more to the aftertaste, I to the finish.
To me the finish is long, growing and peppery, leaving a light leather, cigar box finish, common to the Appletons. Very nice.
At a recent tasting I had the opportunity to taste Appleton 21 - an expensive $90 rum - and perhaps it was the conditions but I still prefer Extra. It is fair to say that very old rums, having spent many years in the barrel, may have lost some congeners and flavors to the wood, and gained others some may not prefer. There is a case to be made for nicely, but not overly, aged rums which also cost less and may well be preferable. A must buy for your basic reference collection.
Appleton Extra is one. Rating (10 is best): 8.