Introduction
When I heard that Appleton Estate had released a 51 Year Old rum, I wasn’t just curious — I felt compelled to try it. It’s not every day that a spirit this old, especially from the Caribbean, becomes available. I’ve always appreciated Appleton’s consistency and balance across their range, but this expression promised something far more rare. I approached it with both admiration and a fair bit of caution — mindful of its age, but also its price.
Nose
From the moment I poured it, the aroma filled the room. The nose was immediately rich and concentrated, but not overwhelming. I picked up deep, polished oak that reminded me of antique furniture — pleasant, not tired. Layers of dried fruit—fig, prune, and a touch of sour cherry—followed, along with toasted walnuts and hints of tobacco. There was a soft undercurrent of vanilla and old leather. What stood out was how well-integrated these aromas were; nothing felt disjointed or overly woody, which was a relief given the long maturation.
Palate
On the palate, the age truly showed its depth. The mouthfeel was oily and full, with a restrained sweetness. It opened with dark muscovado sugar and dates, which quickly gave way to waves of spice — clove, nutmeg, a bit of star anise. That signature Jamaican earthiness was still faintly there, but mellowed and woven into the rest. There was a refined bitterness at the edges, perhaps from the oak, but it added complexity rather than detracting from it. Mid-palate, I got a surprising flash of orange peel and molasses, which gave it a bright lift before the structure returned to deep wood and dark chocolate.
Finish
The finish was long — very long, in fact — and gently drying. At first it left a lingering sweet spice, and then more of the leather and cigar box notes took over. As it faded, I was left with a burnt toffee note and a faint touch of peppermint that I hadn’t noticed earlier. There was a real calmness to the finish. Nothing rushed, nothing forced — it just slowly ebbed away over several minutes.
Price and Value
This bottle is firmly in collector territory when it comes to price. With only 360 bottles released, it’s positioned more as a statement piece than an everyday pour — and rightly so. That said, if you're someone who values craftsmanship and heritage over volume, and has the means, there’s genuine value here. It’s not just old for the sake of being old — it tells a story through its flavour, and that counts for a lot in my book.
Background
Appleton Estate’s history in Jamaican rum dates back to 1749, and they’ve been particularly attentive to preserving traditional practices in a modern context. This 51 Year Old bottling, named “The Source”, was laid down in 1970 and aged entirely in tropical conditions — which accelerates the influence of the barrel while keeping production tightly controlled. As you might expect, maintaining casks for that long in Jamaica’s climate requires a great deal of attention and skill.
One of the most interesting aspects is that this rum was created and stewarded by Joy Spence, Appleton’s Master Blender, who is a central figure in the brand’s identity. You can read more about the distillery and her role at the Appleton Estate official site.
Final Notes
Would I buy this bottle again? Personally, it’s not a repeat purchase for me, simply due to the cost — but I don’t regret trying it. Is it suitable for newcomers? Not really — this is something to appreciate once you’ve got a few world-class rums under your belt. I see it more as a contemplative, end-of-day pour; something to enjoy during a quiet moment with no distractions. Compared to other aged rums I’ve tasted, especially those from Jamaica, this stands alone — not just for its age, but for how gracefully it wears that age.