Appleton Extra and Reserve

[jlo mein]

I think I asked this a long time ago on the old forum but didn't really get a response.

I was thinking of picking up one of either Extra or Reserve, but have not tasted either of them. I have tried Appleton VX and like it a lot for mixing, and sometimes sipping.

Does anyone have any opinions on both? Flavour profiles?

thanks

[DemeraraDrinker]

I think I asked this a long time ago on the old forum but didn't really get a response.

I was thinking of picking up one of either Extra or Reserve, but have not tasted either of them. I have tried Appleton VX and like it a lot for mixing, and sometimes sipping.

Does anyone have any opinions on both? Flavour profiles?

thanks

I have had Extra. I'm only part way through the bottle, so I don't have a full review done yet. But I can tell you that it is complex and intricate--there are several layers in there. The oak is quite evident. It reminds me a bit of Mt. Gay Extra Old or Cockspur 12. I'll get a review up on my site at some point.

I've got issues with the VX. It tastes reedy to me. The White is great and can be had for $8/750 mL here. Screw Bacardi.

I've never seen the Appleton Reserve. It doesn't appear on Appleton's US site, so I assume we can't get it in the States. If you taste it, let us know what you think.

[Hank Koestner]

I like the VX on the rocks, and it is my first choice for a Rum and Ginger.
You can also float some bitters on top of the rum and ginger, and sip through them. The Extra is complex and delicious, and has the robust flavor of the pot still. I have a bottle of Appleton 21 year old, and it is wonderful: smooth and layered, with the strong backbone of the pot still.
I have yet to try the white. I recommend you try the Extra neat, and then with a touch of water or a little ice.

[The Rum Ambassador]

Appleton Reserve is available in the States, alas isn't over here in the UK yet. COME ON J.Wray & Nephew...get your act together.My tasting notes are lots of nutty, woody elements, a hint of raisins with a soft, creamy, mellow finish. The aroma emits honey with a hint of brown sugar, but after opening up offers spices, a hint of molasses and dried fruit.This 8 year old, is smooth, silky and mellow and ideally balanced. Ideal for mixing or sipping. The Appleton Extra (12 year old) is one of my favourite rums. With rums in this blend aging from 12 to 18 years,there is a lot of complex flavours bursting out of this rich bold & spicy, mahogany looking rum. With hints of nutmeg, orange peel, caramel and soft vanilla on the palate. The nose has a touch of alcohol (86 proof) subtly hiding the vanilla and cocoa aromas , which become more intense as the rum warms up. Pefect neat or with a few ice cubes. Better still, add a slice of orange.

[Dood]

I have not yet had a chance to sample the Reserve (can't find it anywhere here in the States and didn't pick any up in the Cook Islands when I saw a bottle), but I have had the extra.

The Extra, to me, was somewhat typical of aged rums. There's definitely more of a "bourbonish" flavoring to it than the V/X. I personally prefer the V/X, I find it to be smoother and a little less dominant in mixed drinks. The Extra does make a good sipping rum, but can overpower other flavors in anything mixed.

Your mileage may vary, void where prohibited, see box for details.

[teach92651]

Pop's Wines and Spirits has 1 liter Appleton Reserve for $26.52, plus shipping.

http://www.popswine.com/

[Hank Koestner]

Here in Orlando, the local liqour store chain is ABC. They have Appleton Reserve now, although is was sold out at my last visit. I will purchse a bottle of this, and taste all 4 Appleton's: V/X, Reserve, Extra, and 21 as soon as they get the reserve. This will be a fun comparison, as I have never tasted them together, just seperately.

[DemeraraDrinker]

I'll be in Tampa tomorrow. There is some big liquor mart called B-21 there. They have Appleton Extra for $19.99 and Reserve for $22.99!

Extra is $28 where I live. This rocks.

[Dood]

Here in Orlando, the local liqour store chain is ABC. They have Appleton Reserve now, although is was sold out at my last visit. I will purchse a bottle of this, and taste all 4 Appleton's: V/X, Reserve, Extra, and 21 as soon as they get the reserve. This will be a fun comparison, as I have never tasted them together, just seperately.

What sucks is that they have ABC Stores here too, but they only carry Captain, Malibu, and Bacardi. Nothing else. Lame lame lame.

[Troy]

B-21 rocks. Definitely worth the stop.

[rdyjmjm]

I think I asked this a long time ago on the old forum but didn't really get a response.

I was thinking of picking up one of either Extra or Reserve, but have not tasted either of them. I have tried Appleton VX and like it a lot for mixing, and sometimes sipping.

Does anyone have any opinions on both? Flavour profiles?

thanks

Over the past years traveling to Jamaica we have always brought home Appleton RESERVE Rum. It has a distinct flavor that lingers and leaves a mellow taste on your tongue.

The problem is that I have yet to find a source to buy the RESERVE here in New England or for that matter any source online to purchase it. If anyone has a connection or source drop RDYJMJM@YAHOO.COM an email. The flavor will make you want more.

[dom]

The problem is that I have yet to find a source to buy the RESERVE here in New England or for that matter any source online to purchase it. If anyone has a connection or source drop RDYJMJM@YAHOO.COM an email. The flavor will make you want more.


If you are ready to make a 5h trip to Quebec, here we have the whole line (except the 21 and the Masters Blend which you can find in Ontario).

[forrest]

Welcome to the for-rum rdyjmjm!!
Glad to have another rum lover on the board!

[Tiare]

I really really like both of them and if i had to choose one, i would pick the 12.

The 12 is "fuller" and more "complete" than the Reserve, but as i said, both are some fabulous rums.

The 12 is my favorite among those from those Appleton dark rums that i have tasted so far which is VX, Reserve, 12 and 21 (which i found fabulous too).

[RumBarPhilly]

I agree (somewhat) with Tiare.

I find a nice difference between the Extra and Reserve. The Extra reminds me much of the 21 year, and is very smooth and delicious. However, the Reserve has amazing character. A true spirit of a Jamaican rum.

While I do like the Reserve better, if I could have one to sip on, Ill take an Extra any day.

On a side note, I do notice a lightness to the Extra and the 21 year (which doesnt exist in the Master's Legacy, Reserve, or VX) which makes me wonder if they use any column still rums for these.

[RobertBurr]

I do notice a lightness to the Extra and the 21 year (which doesn't exist in the Master's Legacy, Reserve, or VX) which makes me wonder if they use any column still rums for these.

They all contain a blend of aged column still and pot still rums in different formulas. These types of rums age differently and posses different qualities that contribute to the rich nose, flavor and finish.

[TheRumelier]

Both are great rums, but I think pale in comparison to The Master Blender's Legacy and the 21YO. I used to prefer the Reserve over the Extra years ago, but I think my tastes have changed over time, where I now prefer the Extra, if I had to pick one. All the Appleton rums are very drinkable, even the ones we don't know they make!!

[RumBarPhilly]

They all contain a blend of aged column still and pot still rums in different formulas. These types of rums age differently and posses different qualities that contribute to the rich nose, flavor and finish.

I didnt realize that Appletons used column still rums. Learning new things each day!

[Paulipbartender]

Since the late 40's