Angel's Share Title
Appleton Estate 15 Black River Casks
Appleton 15 Black River Casks rum is the newest release from the company, and I was happy to spot it on the shelves at one of my local stores. This rum, like all others in the Appleton line, is created using sugarcane grown on the estate. After distillation, the rum is aged in 40 gallon used American white oak barrels for 15 years. After the aging period, the rum is blended to 43% ABV, bottled and boxed for distribution.
Appearance
The bottle I purchased for this review was sold in a cardboard box that shares a great deal of information about Appleton Estate as well as this particular rum. After I removed the bottle, I discovered a Certificate of Aging in the box.This small document shares the details and tasting notes of the spirit.
The bottle itself is a custom Appleton design.The bottle had a clear security wrap holding a brass capped synthetic cork to the bottle. The rum itself has a dark brown color with ruby amber hues reflecting in the liquid.
Agitating the liquid creates a thin ring, that slowly thickens and drops a single wave of legs before the ring evaporates, leaving a band of pebbles in its wake.
Nose
The aroma is a rush of caramelized vanilla, cooked bananas, and oak char. Sugared ginger, baking spices, toasted almonds, orange zest, are detected over time reminding me of a flavorful cookie I enjoyed over the holidays.
Palate
The first sip of the rum delivers a lovely array of spicy fruit flavors. As I savored additional sips, I detected cooked bananas, fresh mango, grilled pineapple, and robust orange zest, accented by cinnamon, allspice, with a hint of clove and alcohol nipping at the edges of the palate. A dark, rich, caramel flavor enters the mid-palate along with notes of toasted almonds and baked hazelnut, rounded out by oak tannin notes that linger in a long, dry finish.
Review
Anytime I hear about a new Appleton product, I look forward to tracking it down and putting it through its paces. I have high expectations for any product Joy Spence and her team create. This rum did not disappoint, well in step with the flavor progression of the portfolio. I liked the depth and range of the spirit and the way the flavors bloomed and faded throughout the experience. Considering what it takes to create a true 15 year old rum, this is perhaps one of the best values on the shelves. While I enjoy it neat, I can see where this would be lovely in a Rum Old Fashioned cocktail or even some tropical cocktails that call for an older rum. Either way, I will enjoy sharing this rum with my friends in the future.
