From the moment the cap of this rum bottle is removed, the aroma of smoky oak permeates the room followed by vanilla and hints of cinnamon and dark honey.
The dark, antique copper color in the middle of the glass is highlighted by a dark green miniscus around the edge of the glass, confirmation of an older rum that hasn't been unruthlessly colored with caramel. Expect the signature orange peel, spice and roasted nut flavors you've come to love in the Appleton Estate aged rums. I was surprised that Appleton Estate 50 Year Old Jamaican Rum - Jamaica Independence Reserve didn't finish with a mouthful of burnt oak as I have experienced in other old aged rums. The slightly viscous brown sugar and honey finish invites the imbiber to take another sip.
Rum like this doesn't come along every day and it comes, as you would expect, with a price. At $5000 a 750ml bottle, you won't find this in your local liquor store. Only 800 bottles were released so you'll have to look around to find this rum. I'd suggest starting in Jamaica.