In honor of Jamaica's day of independence, the iconic Appleton Estate brand of rum will issue a very limited release of a 50 year old rum to commemorate the special occasion.
The Appleton Estate 50 Year Old Jamaica Rum, known as Jamaica Independence Reserve, comprises rums which have been aged for a minimum of 50 years in oak barrels. The rums that make up this blend were specifically set down to age to celebrate this important occasion.
This very rare, limited edition rum was launched on June 7, 2012 at Jamaica House in Kingston, Jamaica and was attended by a number of dignitaries including the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Honorable Portia Simpson-Miller.
In preparation for the 50th Anniversary of Jamaica's Independence, Master Blender Joy Spence conducted extensive quality checks on each barrel of rum to ensure that it had achieved the smoothness, complexity and richness worthy of the Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum 50 Year Old Independence Reserve.
Once Joy confirmed that the barrels had aged to perfection, each barrel was then individually rolled out of the warehouse to ensure that its cherished contents were protected.
Only 800 bottles of this rum have been created.
This stunning blend presents a dark mahogany color with rich coppery reflections and, upon careful inspection, a very pronounced green ring of aging. Aromas begin with powerful oak infused with rich vanilla, leading to layers of cinnamon, maple and orange peel. The finish is exceptionally smooth with a warm and complex honeyed oak conclusion.
Here is a rum that is truly worthy of celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Jamaica's Independence.
Mr. Andy Holmes, Chief Operating Officer (International) of J. Wray & Nephew Limited, owners of the Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum brand, noted, "We are very proud of the Appleton Estate 50 Year Old Jamaica Independence Reserve, believed to be the oldest rum available for sale in the world. This Limited Edition, minimum aged rum is truly an exceptional spirit that encapsulates the world-class Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum range and the Appleton Estate where we have been producing exceptional rums since 1749."
Mr. Holmes added, "Just before Jamaica received its independence, several barrels of rums from the Appleton Estate were set aside to age to create a very special blend of 50 year old rum that would celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Jamaica's Independence. Now the 50 year journey from barrel to bottle is complete and the world can now share in this very rare and exquisite collector's item."
The Appleton Estate 50 Year Old Jamaica Independence Reserve is packaged in a crystal decanter whose design and shape was inspired by Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum's iconic bottle. The etchings and gold screen printing on the bottle take their cue from Jamaica's National Symbols, embellished with a gold finished brass and cork stopper, presented in a black lacquered gift box with gold finished brass hinges. A commemorative booklet that outlines Jamaica's march to Independence and the journey of the Appleton Estate 50 Year Old Jamaica Rum is also included.
The Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum range is Jamaica's leading premium rum and is exported to over 60 countries around the world.
Robert Burr is the National Rum Examiner. He publishes Rob's Rum Guide and hosts the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival and Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise, in addition to organizing the International Rum Expert Panel (RumXP).
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