This rum replaces the previous 15 Year expression in the core range. It is named for the Black River in Jamaica’s Nassau Valley, the source of the limestone-filtered water used to proof Appleton Estate rum. It is a blend of pot and column still rums, aged a minimum of 15 years. It is bottled at 43% ABV and available as of June, 2021.
How it tastes
Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.
Light caramel and funk in the aroma. I get orange zest and cinnamon in the retro-hale. Flavors are more difficult to nail down, but i do find caramel is hidden in the finish. Swishing it around my mouth i get a taste similar to cinnamon flavored chewing gum.
Very mild on the sweet side so a great way to introduce someone to an amazing rum who normally doesn't like sweeter spirits.
Absolutely 5⭐️(five stars) when used as a mixer. A basic rum-n-coke or -- heaven forbid! -- mixed with sugar-free Pepsi is utterly fantastic. I realize this is blasphemous for some, but it's hard being a Type II diabetic.
Ratings based on neat sipping.
mmarcmoretti4.8
Strong oak, molasses and overripe banana nose.
Spicy and funky on the palate. Leather, tobacco and all spice. The molasses is only faintly in the background.
Finish is savory and tannic. Like a fine Cuban cigar.
I'm tasting this with the last remnants of my bottle of the 12 year. The nose on both are nearly identical, but the depth of flavour and savoriness is cranked up to 11 on the 15 year.
Like the El Dorado, 15 years seems to be a magical number when it comes to rum.
SSwahili14.3
This is an exquisite rum. Burnt brown sugar, molasses, and coconut abound. You get some banana and grilled pineapple too. This is like going to the islands, chilling on the beach and perhaps being one of the best things you have ever tasted. I can't give it 5 ........because I have tasted Appleton Joy whuch is the best rum I have ever had! This though is the junior version of that. Better than 21 y/o imo
CChrisPro4.3
Grass, cotton candy, grapes, hay, little ethanol, coconut caramel aroma is pretty complex and highly enjoyable.
Light coconut toffee up front with a slightly misty finish with some cinnamon orange lingering on the tongue. Love this stuff and easily the best I've procured in OH.
JJ G4.5
Nose is rather herbally, green, I wouldn't call it funky. Gives a much younger impression than 15 years.
Taste is good, a little sweet, quite hot actually.
Started with 3.75, but after a few months it became very, very good, 4.5
