Probably the best rum in the world (Appleton Speical Gold Rum)

Member Name: kingseany

Product:	Appleton Speical Gold Rum
Date:	15/01/06 (5483 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Absolutely great taste

Disadvantages: Availability in the UK?

If you are the occasional dark rum drinker, you may be familiar with brands such as Captain Morgan, Pussers, Lambs, Woods or even Mount Gay. Perhaps not so well known in the UK is Appleton, due to the major supermarkets not stocking it. Appleton have however been producing rum in Jamaica for more than 250 years.

I personally prefer golden rums over that of white rum. Basically a golden rum will have more depth, and more flavour. A golden rum can easily be enjoyed on it's own or over ice, whereas a light rum is more useful with a mixer. Not that you can't drink Appleton with a mixer, just that you'll drown the rum and lose some of that distinct flavour and quality. A dark rum is the earliest form of the drink, and is more commonly mixed with fruit juices and punch. Dark rum may commonly be known as Navy Rum.

This was our drink of choice whilst in Jamaica, and it is available in EVERY bar on the island. As well as being plentiful, it is very very cheap to buy. The airport in Montego Bay, is probably just as good place as any to buy, with a 1.75l bottle of Appleton costing a mere $15US. More managable sized bottles are available of course, a tiny 200ml sampler will set you back a couple of dollars. We bought ours in "Jamaica Farewell", where your purchases will be suitably packed into an easy to carry carton for a dollar.

If you are lucky enough to go to Jamaica, make a stop at the Appleton factory, for an interesting insight into the rum making process, and of course unlimited samples of all they produce.

This particular "Special" rum was the result of a whiskey shortage in the second world war. Experiments were carried out at the Appleton Estate to produce an alternative. Different age rums, and those from different casks were blended together, and "Special" was the result which proved very popular.

I've been to four Caribbean islands, and probably tasted a dozen or so good rums, and to date Appleton is my absolute favourite. I'm in love with the smell, the taste, the smoothness of it, it really is a lovely drink. The only way you'll find out it's true beauty though, is to try it yourself! Enjoy in moderation - says the bottle.

Alc. content is 43%.

On the net you can get this from http://www.thedrinkshop.com for £13.69 for a 70cl bottle (plus postage). Not exactly cheap, compared to the price on the island. For an even better quality rum, try Appleton Estate Extra which is available from Oddbins at £21.99.

Summary: Enjoy in moderation