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Capn Jimbo's Rum Project Forum
Rum Appreciation by and for the Compleat Idiot
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| How do you rate Appleton Reserve Rum (five is best)? |
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Capn Jimbo
Rum Evangelisti and Compleat Idiot
Joined: 11 Dec 2006
Posts: 1373
Location: Paradise: Fort Lauderdale of course...
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 Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 3:21 am Post subject: Rum Review: Appleton Reserve Rum |
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Appleton Reserve Rum: "A Kick Ass Rum"
It all happened by accident. I'd visited my favorite rum emporium to replace my beloved bottle of Appleton Extra. Their new catalogue listed Appleton "Extra Reserve". I tried to point out Appleton had three midpriced rums - V/X, Reserve and Extra - but was assured that the bottle, clearly labeled "Reserve", was indeed the Extra. As it carried the usual Extra price tag, I assumed that maybe Appleton had changed Extra's label to "Reserve" and eliminated the "12 year" notation.
They were wrong, and I was right. Na na na, na na na!
It WAS "Reserve" and not the Extra. I was actually quite pleased with this as Reserve is hard to find. Owning both the V/X and Extra, I was anxious to test this in between blend. Holy mackeral! But first, the reviews.
Sue Sea:
| Quote: | I've mentioned elsewhere that I find the Appleton bottles very enticing. A sensual shorter female shape with a voluptuous pinched waist, and sporting a classic plantation label. Looks great on any shelf. We decided to do a smackdown with V/X, Reserve and Extra and had started with the very nice V/X. Reserve was next.
Its aroma, like the V/X is still fruity but now in the deeper range, like a thick apricot nectar or marmalade, against a background of spicy clove and oak. So far, similar to V/X but deeper and heavier. Now this is where Reserve parts company. Its taste is unidimensional and is dominated by cloves, bourbon and a growing heat. This carries through to a very warm, almost hot peppery finish.
Wow. This rum beckons you with its deep pleasant aroma, then comes on strong and finishes stronger. Woah!!! Now mind you, I actually like real rums - the kind that don't pretend to be liqueurs, and that display some nice pepper warmth. But I think Reserve carries this one dimension too far, and compromises the balance that becomes better rums.
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Me:
I have to be honest. I came home with my accidental purchase in a state of excitement, exploration and positive expectations. Late that evening I decided to crack the bottle for a pleasant nightcap. I was sorely disappointed. This was not the Appleton I knew and respected. It even caused me to wonder whether the "Reserve" was really a low-priced mixer, a step below V/X. It was not pleasant.
Still, I had to give Reserve a chance, and Sue Sea and I tasted it the next day...
Reserve is a slightly cloudy medium amber, nice slow legs. Its aroma is actually quite nice: deeper fruit against a background of clove. A sweet, heavier pungent aroma, quite nice. The taste is consistent and features a growing hot clove, ending in dry astringency. The finish was hot, lots of pepper/clove and a bit of alcohol.
Sue Sea hit the nail on the head: unidimensional. It comes on like an old friend with a hidden grudge. Reaches out a hand with a deep welcoming smile, then unwinds and smacks you in the face. Appleton Reserve is a blend, and occupies a questionable position between V/X and Extra. Who do I think will like this rum?
Pirates. It's the perfect accompaniment to murder and mayhem.
Score (10 is best): 5.
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