Appleton Extra

Appleton Extra comes from Appleton Estate, J. Wray & Nephew's St. Elizabeth distillery and the largest, most familiar name in Jamaican rum. Its house style blends pot and column spirit, tropically aged into something smooth, oaky and accessible, the approachable counterpoint to the wilder independent single casks.

Distilled from molasses and bottled at 43%, it noses on vanilla, orange peel, nuts and orange, then delivers orange peel, licorice, caramel and oak on a balanced, easygoing palate, the finish toasted with oak, spice and chocolate. This is the smooth, mainstream corner of Jamaica rather than the estery funk bomb end, the kind of rum that rewards fifteen minutes of rest and works well neat or over ice. Unsweetened and dependable, it is a reliable everyday Jamaican that leans on warm oak and orange rather than loud ester, an easy introduction to the island's aged style.