Appleton Estate 15YO Black River Casks Rum

Appleton Estate 15 Year Old Black River Casks honours Jamaica’s iconic Black River, the limestone-filtered water source at the heart of the Estate. Master Blender Joy Spence selects rare pot and column still marques, all tropically matured for a minimum of 15 years in oak, to create a luxurious, full-bodied rum with copper hues and poised depth—rich vanilla, orange peel and roasted coffee layered with refined oak. A superb sipping rum with effortless gifting appeal.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Copper-hued with a honey-gold ring of age. Aromas of toasted almond and hazelnut lead to orange peel, vanilla and hints of roasted coffee and molasses. The palate is smooth and balanced—chocolate-raisin richness, sweet vanilla and caramel—gliding to a long, creamy finish with delicate spice and subtle oak.

Key Details

• Distillery: Appleton Estate
• Type: Dark / Ultra-Premium Aged Rum
• Region: Nassau Valley, Jamaica
• ABV: 43%
• Volume: 700ml
• Stills: Pot still & column still
• Aging: Minimum 15 years, tropical maturation in oak
• Other: Gluten-free; Vegan-friendly
• Signature Serve: Neat or over one large cube

Cocktail Pairings

An Old Cuban brings elegant sparkle—mint and lime lifted by a splash of fizz. A Rum Old Fashioned, slow-stirred with bitters and orange oils, showcases luxurious oak and vanilla. A Mai Tai delivers tropical poise with orgeat and citrus, while a Jamaican Mule pairs its orange-vanilla glow with lively ginger bite.

Craftsmanship & Story

A tribute to the Black River—the Estate’s limestone-filtered water source—this expression blends pot and column distillates crafted under Joy Spence, then aged at least 15 years in oak in Jamaica’s heat for layered complexity, balance and a signature, smoothly polished finish.

Special Features

Minimum 15-year tropical ageing; Black River provenance; no added flavours; masterfully blended for richness and balance; refined presentation with natural gifting appeal.

Recognition & Accolades

Celebrated worldwide for its depth, balance and unmistakable Jamaican character, Appleton Estate 15 Black River Casks has achieved consistent acclaim.

• Double Gold: San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024
• Grand Gold: San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2021
• Rum of the Year: The Whisky Exchange 2023
• Platinum: ASCOT Awards 2023
• Silver: International Wine & Spirit Competition 2024 & 2022
• Silver: International Spirits Challenge 2024
• 94/100 Points: Tastings.com
• 92/100 Points: Distiller (Amanda Schuster)

These accolades affirm its standing as one of the world’s finest aged rums—complex, polished and eminently gift-worthy.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

A luxurious choice for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, client thanks or a refined nightcap—impeccable neat, on the rocks or in elevated classics.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.