Back when I was exploring the reference standards for rum I picked up a bottle of Appleton Extra (representing the Jamaican aromatic style). It was heavenly. There were times I felt I could simply nose it all evening. It was that nice. Later, I heard tell that the V/X was a worthy younger sibling - Dave Broom rates it four stars (of five) and calls it one of the few versatile (mixer or sipper) rums. And for just $16 was certainly worth a try. The reviews:
Sue Sea:
Me:All but the lowest priced Appletons come in sensual female bottles - shorter, full, voluptuous and with a smooth pinched waist. That, plus a handsome traditional label and I'm hooked. Put it on the shelf! Jim and I had already tasted and loved the Extra (rated 8 ). V/X's aroma is very pleasant: vanilla, some light citrus (orange), a bit of clove spice and last, a background of oak and what I call a furniture polish. Nice.
Its taste is light and smooth, becoming clovey and astringent at the end before a memorable exploding peppery clove finish. Remarkable! V/X leaves a light cigar box aftertaste. I can see V/X as a solid, "rummy" mixer that will benefit any drink with its Jamaican punch. That it is a nice sipper as well is a pleasant bonus.
I was not disappointed by Appleton V/X. Unlike the "Reserve" and "Extra", its color is yellow gold, with small pearl legs. On first nosing I experienced a slight nasal prickle (not really a bad thing), with light oak, spicy clove and a what I call a medium fruit (not high citrus, not deep dark raisin/prune). More like in the orange/apricot range. Oh, and on a nice leather background. V/X is smooth and tastes of oak, pepper and cloves. The end palate is astringent. The medium finish comes on nicely, a light peppery transition to a cigar box aftertaste. This is a fine rum.
There's an unfair and egoistic tendency to lump all lower priced rums as "mixers", even those that do not deserve this label. V/X is one of them and is really a nice younger rum more than worthy of sipping, yet inexpensive enough to also use as a mixer. You should own this.
Score (10 is best): 6.5