Rum of the Year 2021 – Shortlist. It’s that time of year again when I go over all my reviews of the previous year. The aim to select the shortlist to make up the Rum of the Year contenders.
Over the years I have built a few “rules” into the selection. Only one entry per producer, being one of them. I’ve tried to stick with a shortlist of 5 rums – so 5 rums from 5 different producers/brands. I also try and ensure that any Rum of the Year is still obtainable.
Appleton Estate 2003 Hearts Collection. My only hope with this review is that I have enough to write about to flesh out another full review. I fear I may have covered quite a lot of ground with my previous review of the Appleton Estate 1984 Hearts Collection.
That said I’m sure I’ll find something to rattle on about. After all I’ve managed to review a whole host of Foursquare bottlings over the years and I (hope) I haven’t repeated myself too much.
Appleton Estate 1984 Hearts Collection. I’m going to get this out of the way now – I am extremely lucky to have been given the opportunity by Joy Spence (Appleton Estate) and Luca Gargano (Velier) to get the chance to try this particular rum. I must express my gratitude to them for sending me samples of both this and the 2003 Hearts edition. (As well as the 1990’s vintages they sent last year as well). Thank you much appreciated.
Appleton Estate 1999 Hearts Collection. Earlier this month I was extremely fortunate (and humbled) to be one of 300 people, worldwide to be invited to a tasting of the Appleton Estate Hearts Collection.
The Hearts Collection is co-bottling between Luca Gargano of Velier and Joy Spence of Appleton Estate. They consist of three vintage rums from 1999, 1995 and 1994. These rums were hand picked and selected by Joy and Luca. Despite having a variety of vintages and barrels to choose from, they did both pick the same barrels as their favourites.
Once again we will be taking part in a Twitter Tasting, this time alongside Ian Burrell (Global Rum Ambassador) and David Morrison (Senior Master Blender at Appleton Estate).
The tasting flight includes three rums from the Appleton Estate line up and a cocktail which highlights the versatility of Appleton Estate’s entry level rum – Signature Blend (formerly the V/X).
Appleton Estate Reserve rum for the world famous Appleton Estate distillery. Appleton Estate is part of a portfolio of rums produced by J Wray and Nephew and Sons. The company pretty much dominate domestic rum sales in Jamaica.
Appleton Estate Reserve highly regarded throughout the rum world and is seen by many as one of the best examples of rum for your money.
Appleton Estate V/X Jamaica Rum was the entry level rum for the Appleton Estate brand. It has now been re-branded as Signature Blend – the juice I can reliably assure you all is exactly the same as before.
The rum is distilled, blended and bottled in Jamaica by J Wray & Nephew. It is imported into the UK by J Wray and Nephew (UK) Ltd. The Appleton V/X is bottled at 40% abv. The blend of rums are between 5 and 10 years old. The master blender at the Appleton Estate is Joy Spence, who was the first female master blender in the spirits industry. Joy has been at the Appleton Estate for over 30 years now. She became the master blender in 1997. The Appleton Estate has been producing rum since 1749, officially.
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