8 Year Old Reserve Finest Jamaica Rum, 70 cl

Overall impression A rich, well-structured Jamaican rum, it balances tropical fruit, oak, and baking spice with enough character to sip neat but enough backbone to transform a cocktail. Expect warmth, not harshness, and genuine depth rather than just sugar. Aroma Noticeable notes of orange peel, dried apricot, and a bit of banana, wrapped in vanilla and light oak. There is a subtle molasses and toffee sweetness, with a hint of baking spice that feels more elegant than aggressive. Taste Medium-bodied with flavours of caramel, vanilla, and citrus, backed by a touch of toasted oak and nutmeg. The sweetness is controlled rather than syrupy, so it feels like a proper sipping rum rather than a dessert in a glass. Finish Warm, slightly spicy finish with lingering notes of orange zest, vanilla, and light wood.Smooth enough for sipping, but with enough edge that it still feels like a characterful Jamaican rum, not a bland crowd-pleaser. Best ways to drink Neat or with a single ice cube to open up the citrus and spice. Excellent in an Old Fashioned-style rum cocktail or a more serious Daiquiri where you actually want to taste the rum, not just lime and sugar.

So much better than Appleton Signature. It is so smooth and the price is just right. A decent rum for rum lovers.

Lovely light rum with nice tones but not spiced And excellent product either with coke or dry ginger with ice. It’s smooth all round tasting quality but not strong tasting

Appleton 8 is a dependable step up from the Signature blend — some of that Jamaican funk, but smoother. On the nose, there’s a rich mix of orange peel, toasted oak, and spice, with a subtle grassy funk beneath. The palate delivers warm toffee, dried fruit, and vanilla, balanced by a gentle bitterness and hints of nutmeg. Good in a rum Old Fashioned, or on its own with a piece of ice. Great rum and coke too. It doesn’t quite hit the depth or complexity of older Appletons or boutique Jamaican rums, but for the price, it’s a solid, versatile bottle that rewards repeat visits. Would and have bought again.

Lovely rum enjoyed over the Christmas period

Appleton Estate does not enjoy its world renowned reputation for consistently producing some of the finest rum on the planet without good reason. Everything about the Appleton Estate brand simply exudes quality. The Signature Blend itself is still a great entry-point rum, just lacks refinement. The 12 year old Rare Blend is exquisite, but quite a chunk more to shell out on if you are going to be knocking it back regularly. As the middle option, this special 8 year old Reserve is an outstanding rum. It is almost as good as the Rare Blend, but the extra cash saved makes this my go to choice for all but on special occasions. Be careful though, as this 8 year old Reserve is so smooth going down, and carries such a delicious aftertaste, that renders it dangerously drinkable. VERY easy to be tempted into "just one more then." In short, you can't go wrong with Appleton Estate, and this 8 year old Reserve is a Class Act.

I am 80, years old so I believe I have some latitude as my time is limited. I drink 1 bottle of red wine a day usually followed by rum and believe me I have tried a lot. Due to finance I regularly drink Sailor Jerry but my favourite is Appletons. I will never be able to afford the 15 or 21 year old but I have either bought or been gifted the Estate, 8 year,12 year plus the Kingston 62. Of them all and regardless of price, the 8 year old is the one thar suits me best, smooth to the mouth with a satisfying afterbite. Raise one for me and enjoy!

Good quality rum would recommend