Appleton Estate Jamaican Rum Hearts Collection 1998 aged for 25 years in Jamaica’s lush Nassau Valley
Is rum the next bourbon? Maybe. Does it matter? Not really. And in a lot of ways, that’s a good thing. Take for instance the latest addition to the Appleton Estate Hearts Collection, 1998. The new vintage spent 25 years maturing in Jamaica’s lush Nassau Valley and comes from just 19 barrels, which means that it’s going to be tough to get your hands on.
Appleton Estate launched the now annual Hearts Collection back in 2020 with the first pot still rums from a single barrel that the distillery ever released. Hand-selected by Master Blender Dr. Joy Spence in partnership with rum connoisseur Luca Gargano, the series features extremely rare 100% pot still Jamaican rums. To date, there have been eight releases from the Hearts Collection: 1994, 1995, 1999, 1984, 2003, 1993, 2002, and, now, 1998.
The 1998 vintage from this year’s Hearts Collection consists of a single proprietary marque distilled in a copper pot still, aged 25 years and bottled in 2023. It offers elegant notes of warm vanilla alongside herbs and fruit with delicate molasses, ginger and smoked coffee, butterscotch, and subtle oak.
“The 1998 release is very special, not only for its incredible depth and age, but also because it pays homage to one of the most cherished releases of my career,” says Spence. “Hearts Collection 1998 closely replicates one of the rare marques used in the Appleton Estate Joy Anniversary Blend. Its striking vanilla notes and silky finish make this an ideal rum for sipping and savoring.”
At the end of August, Appleton Estate Hearts Collection 1998 will start rolling out in spirits retail outlets across the US with an MSRP of $650 USD. For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
Last year, Appleton Estate unveiled the limited-edition 17 Year Old Legend, a faithful recreation of the rum crafted by J. Wray & Nephew on the estate in the 1940’s that is known as the inspiration for the creation of the Mai Tai cocktail.
