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About Rum and Cane Spirits from Jamaica

About Rum and Cane Spirits from Jamaica
There are some very good lighter rums from Jamaica today, but the versions that get all the attention are those aged in whiskey or sherry barrels for anywhere from 10 to 21 years. Copper or golden colored with appealing flavors such as banana, roasted coconut and praline, these are smashing examples of rums with complexity and intensity as well as finesse and elegance. These are meant for sipping or for artisan cocktails. Inexpensive rums, such as spiced versions, are fine for use in most summer cocktails.

Top Picks for Jamaica

Rum and Cane Spirits

APPLETON ESTATE 21 Year Old Rum
96 points
$149
APPLETON ESTATE
21 Year Old Rum
Copper color. Aromas of chocolate-covered caramels, sweet cigarillo, and copper pot with a satiny, crisp, dryish light body and a peppery, brisk caramelized banana, rye crisps, caramel cake, raisin bread pudding, and clove finish. A robust, spicy and caramelly Rum with great intensity; drink in Technicolor.
Awards: 2021 Best Rum
96 points $149
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APPLETON ESTATE 15 Year Old Rum
94 points
$64
APPLETON ESTATE
15 Year Old Rum
Dark amber color. Aromas and flavors of petrol, carob, Seville orange, halvah, and fruit cake with a supple, vibrant, dryish light body and a smooth, elegant, long finish displaying notes of tangerine zest, dark chocolate, grilled artichoke, marcona almonds, black pepper, cinnamon, and aniseed biscotti. A full-flavor, spicy Rum that rewards the patient sipper; also delicious for Rum-centric cocktails.
94 points $64
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APPLETON ESTATE 12 Year Old Rum
93 points
$41
APPLETON ESTATE
12 Year Old Rum
Dark amber color. Interesting aromas of grilled romaine, candied pecan, sweet and salty vinaigrette, mace, and cloves with a velvety, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a warming, delightful, medium-long brown sugar cream pie, spiced graham cracker, glazed nuts, and roasted coconut flakes finish. A unique, character-rich Rum that delivers caramelly, nutty flavors alongside unexpected funky vegetal notes; great balance, highly pleasurable, and plenty of charm.
93 points $41
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Plantation Xaymaca Special Dry Rum
93 points
$24.99
Plantation
Xaymaca Special Dry Rum
Gold color. Aromas of hot copper pot, dried tropical fruit, whole allspice, and burnt toffee with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light body and a medium-long plantain, dried pineapple, and brown butter finish. A minerally, Jamaican-style rum to keep on hand for any number of occasions.
93 points $24.99
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APPLETON ESTATE 8 Year Old Reserve Rum
91 points
$28.99
APPLETON ESTATE
8 Year Old Reserve Rum
Dark amber color. Minerally aromas and flavors of hot copper, nutmeg cream, spiced rice pudding, toast, and raisins with a silky, crisp, dry light body and a sleek, involved, medium-long finish evoking accents of molasses cake, leather, limestone, walnuts, licorice, and dried pineapple and mango. A bone dry, spicy, mineral-rich Rum that will pique the interest of curious Rum purists; sip and cocktail away with this distinctive, recondite British-style Rum.
91 points $28.99
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J. Wray Gold Rum
90 points
$16.99
Best Buy
J. Wray
Gold Rum
Gold color. Aromas of butterscotch and copper pot with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a warming, appealing, relaxed bananas foster, caramelized pineapple, sea salt, and lime peel finish. A zesty gold rum with hints of pot-still character; round and robust.
90 points $16.99 Best Buy
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WRAY & NEPHEW White Overproof Rum
90 points
$23.99
WRAY & NEPHEW
White Overproof Rum
Clear color. Aromas of banana leaf, tamarind, cocoa powder, rubber, and breadfruit with a silky, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a hot, engaging, medium-length peach and hints of spice finish. A wild ride of an overproof rum that offers much more than heat; tropical fruits, hints of smoke and spice will certainly add nuance to your next cocktail creation.
90 points $23.99
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