Wasn't it just 2012 that Jamaica's historic rum-maker Appleton Estate had released the legendary Appleton Estate 50 Year Old Independence Reserve commemorating the country's landmark 50th anniversary of independence?

Well, it's been 13 years and it's time for Appleton Estate to top that with the new 51 Year Old The Source.

The Source is aged exclusively and entirely in Jamaica's tropical climate for over 5 decades, and was made using Appleton Estate's own sugarcane, with open fermentation and traditional copper pot stills (producing just a single marque), and has since been ageing in a single American oak Bourbon barrel since 30th July, 1973!

It was made under the watch of then Master Blender Own Tulloch, and has since been taken care of by Dr Joy Spence. It is truly one of a kind - as Appleton Estate calls it, "a singular masterpiece of provenance and patience"!

"The Source pays homage to the crystal-clear spring that flows through limestone-filtered riverbeds, central to every drop of rum aged at Appleton. This unique geography, deep within Jamaica’s lush Nassau Valley, has long inspired Dr. Joy Spence and is fundamental to the distinct flavor of Appleton’s expressions."

The expression also marks a staggering 275 years of rum distillation at Appleton Estate!

Official Tasting Notes

Colour: Dark Coppery reflections with a very pronounced green ring of aging.

Aroma: Honeyed raisins infused with cinnamon, maple, layered with smoky orange & vanilla.

Taste: Powerful citrus with spicy raisins, ripe figs, followed by rich oak, and dark chocolate.

Finish: Oaky and spicy with hints of Ginger.

ABV: 62% 

The 51 Year Old Appleton Estate The Source was drawn from its cask in January 2025 under the care of Dr Joy Spence, and is limited to just 25 decanters. Each decanter is heart-shaped, with an aquamarine base and topped with a handcrafted copper Doctor Bird, altogether packaged in a turquoise case that is inspired by pressed cane.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team