can you get a bad bottle?

[newfiedvdr]

I'm new here on these forums so my motives may be questioned when I say this but..I just compared Appleton v/x against Mt Gay Eclipse, Havana Club 7 and Pusser's Blue Label Navy rum.

I got to say that with this bottle of Appleton I am extremely disappointed.

There is a strong aroma and aftertaste of some strange chemical or additive! I wish I was more experienced with the different natural additives or other additives that are added to rum so I could tell you exactly what I'm tasting but I do know I really don't like it whatever it is. Now prior to the last year and a half Appleton V/X mixed with coke was one of my regular drinks.

The last year and a half I was purchasing and tasting many different rums with the aim of establishing a few favorites. Some of my current favs are MT Gay XO. Cruzan single barrel, Goslings Black Seal Black Rum, Havana Club 7 and MT Gay Eclipse.
I know this may be heresy but the Appleton V/X I tasted never came close to any of the above rums. There is this very strange aroma and aftertaste..could it be burnt caramel? I bought the Appleton today in a flask size (it's like the regular Appleton bottle but mini). Is it possible that this is just from a bad batch or something because I don't recall the Appleton V/X ever tasting this bad! I was hoping to use it as an alternative to the MT Gay Eclipse with coke when the mood strikes but now I know that is definately not going to happen.

[Edward Hamilton]

I would be very surprised if you have a bad bottle of Appleton. Distilled spirits aren't like wine that can turn to vinegar, though occasionally a bottle of rum with a cork closure will taste corked.

Many of the rums sold in Canada are blended with Canadian rum for tax purposes, so you might find a slight difference in rums bought outside Canada and those purchased elsewhere.

You might consider putting your bad bottle away and buying another bottle in a couple of months and comparing them.

It is also possible that your taste has changed since you starting sampling other rums.

[RonJames]

Many of the rums sold in Canada are blended with Canadian rum for tax purposes, so you might find a slight difference in rums bought outside Canada and those purchased elsewhere.


What Ed said. I will say that it is always possible that a bottle went bad and the blend does change slightly over time. But probably more likely are 2 other scenarios. 1. Your taste have changed, this isn't for the worse or better it just is. 2. Your mood at the moment wasn't really into it.

For instance. Awhile back I had a rum I had recently purchased and I had a crummy day at work. When I got home I was thinking "Man, screw it, I'm opening that bottle up and sipping the good stuff tonight because I deserve it!" Problem was that the whole day I had a hankering for a dark'n'stormy, which has sweet yet spicy bite like no other. I put the sipper to my lips and was disappointed cause it wasn't what I was innately looking for.

Also other factors go into it, hydration level, previous food consummed, etc...

In short, I wouldn't worry because in a short while your good buddy mr. V/X will be back or...you'll have a new rum to make rum and cokes with for your in-laws!

[Arctic Wolf]

Hi newfiedvdr

I have two theories for you.

I note that you did not buy the regular size Appleton VX but rather the mini. I am not sure if you mean the mini 50 ml or the 375 ml. In either case you may have gotten some influence from the cap. I have noticed in particular that the minis (50 ml) rarely display the same flavour as the regular bottles. My theory is that the cardboard liner under the cap influences the flavour. This may seem a little paranoid but that cardboard is held together by glues and resins that can have an affect on the spirit. When one considers how just a drop of added water can open a drink, I do not think it is a stretch to assume the cardboard liners can have an affect as well. So that would be theory number 1.

I think Ron James may be right as well. Your taste buds have changed! You noted a burnt caramel flavour. I note that flavour often when I drink Caribbean rums as the weather gets colder. Our taste buds change in the winter, as the blood thickens to deal with the Canadian cold. I don't know of any studies to prove this but my own palate changes drastically when the weather changes and I find myself enjoying Scotch far more in the winter than in the summer. So that would be theory number 2.

I suggest you drink lots of rum this winter in a variety of circumstances and from a large variety of different bottles to see which theory is right. Report the results to the Ministry! cheers.gif

[Matusalem]

I note that you did not buy the regular size Appleton VX but rather the mini. I am not sure if you mean the mini 50 ml or the 375 ml. In either case you may have gotten some influence from the cap. I have noticed in particular that the minis (50 ml) rarely display the same flavour as the regular bottles. My theory is that the cardboard liner under the cap influences the flavour. This may seem a little paranoid but that cardboard is held together by glues and resins that can have an affect on the spirit. When one considers how just a drop of added water can open a drink, I do not think it is a stretch to assume the cardboard liners can have an affect as well. So that would be theory number 1.Agree (but like you, wish to refrain from being stoned & flogged for paranoia & blasphemous comment).eek.gif

Another thing to factor is the volume of spirit on hand is smaller to begin with, which to me, it would seem what might be otherwise minor harmless packaging <could> have a bigger influence than expected.

JMHO

[newfiedvdr]

Thanks to all for the possible explanations. I will keep all of them in mind when I sit down to do a re-tasting. I do have a work-a-round though. I'll just keep Appleton Extra on hand instead! The V/X did have this distinct taste though and I know I have tasted it before. If I can put my finger on exactly what I'm tasting I will post it on here.

I'm thinking I'm going to break out my bottle of Pyrat XO for the xmas holidays. The distinctive orange taste seems kind of festive!

Have a safe and happy Holiday everyone.

[Ben]

Many of the rums sold in Canada are blended with Canadian rum for tax purposes, so you might find a slight difference in rums bought outside Canada and those purchased elsewhere.


That's a very interesting information. Does this process take place at the distillery? For example, are there two different V/X ? One regular and one "tainted" ?

[Edward Hamilton]

Take a look at the back of the bottle and see if it tells you where the bottle was, well, bottled. That's the first thing I look for when I see a new rum.
Goslings for the US is bottled in Kentucky.