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Appleton Rare Casks 12 Years
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Oak, vanilla and caramel do the heavy lifting here, with a soft banana note and just a whisper of Jamaican funk in the background. Members call it a "Jamaican with manners" — rounder and less estery than a Hampden, with dried fruit, cocoa and warm baking spice. Many treat it as their daily sipper; the one recurring gripe is that 43% keeps it feeling a touch light.
The community says- Well-rounded oak
- Easy sipper
- Keep in mind: Light at 43%
Offers & prices
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Offers & prices
No shop currently delivers to Germany.
Auction results: 29–34 € (8 sales in 24 months, incl. buyer's premium, latest 07/2026). How the range is built ›
The look inside the bottle
How does Appleton Rare Casks 12 Years taste?
From community reviews · summarized with AI
Rounded, oaky Jamaican with gentle funk Widely loved as a well-rounded, oak-forward Jamaican that sips easily and shines in a Mai Tai. Most wish it hit harder — the 43% and quiet esters leave funk fans wanting more.
Aroma profilePeople wanting a rounded, oaky Jamaican without heavy funk
Funk chasers who want big Hampden-style esters and higher proof
Style & occasion: Mature & oakySipping neatCocktails & mixing
Full aroma profile Aroma families · nose & palate · top aromas
Relative to this rum's strongest aroma family
106 of 337 left detailed tasting impressions · Click an aroma to explore similar rums
Which glass for which rum? The community guide ›
Buying advice
Is it right for you?
Yes, if you're after characterful, mature, oaky rums for sipping neat.
Similar in style and available now.
Fruitier
Appleton Reserve7.5/10 (244)36.40 €
89 rated both: 15 scored it higher, 63 scored Appleton Rare Casks 12 Years higher, 11 gave both the same score.Drier
Appleton Rare Blend 12 Years7.5/10 (393)62.25 €
85 rated both: 20 scored it higher, 36 scored Appleton Rare Casks 12 Years higher, 29 gave both the same score.More intense
Hampden Pure Single Jamaican Rum 8 Years Old OWH8.0/10 (259)63.94 €
61 rated both: 45 scored it higher, 9 scored Appleton Estate higher, 7 gave both the same score.Rated better
Appleton 15 Years Black River Casks7.9/10 (185)67.00 €
82 rated both: 49 scored it higher, 19 scored Appleton Rare Casks 12 Years higher, 14 gave both the same score.
What does the community say?
337 community reviews
Rating scale & review checks
On RumX, 7 means “Good” and 8 means “Very good”.
See the full rating guideHow ratings are made and how we check them ›The website shows a selection of written reviews. The distribution also includes ratings without text. All published reviews are available in the RumX app.
48 selected written reviews
The distribution above includes all 337 ratings, including those without text.
Review by LukaŽiga
Most helpful positive review
8,3:On the nose, we have all Jamaican markers combined with sweetness: ether, glue, vanilla, orange, grapes, plums, mango, banana, passion fruit and walnut. The whole is complex, yet easy to drink. Very tempting... 8,0:On the palate, the attack is supple without being to sweet.Notes from the nose are present, some caramel added. A certain woodiness accompanies vanilla and orange peel. The whole is not devoid of vivacity. 8,0:The fairly long vanilla-dominated finish reveals a touch of cocoa, some black tea.A wisp of caramel bitterness crawls in, now a touch less rounded. Generally well rounded, nose great, as a whole better than 21, more Jamaican, but finish-still very good, not on the nose level. Edit:18.4.26
Review by Henning
Most helpful critical review
Round but flat, little flavor lingers. Wood and spice notes. Good to drink but boring. I would have expected more here and am much more used to Appleton's taste. No faults but not for me.
Review by Stefan Persson
Appleton is a nice rum when you want a round and less funky Jamaican compared to the other brands from there. The nose is soft and fruity with aromas of caramel, coffee, leather, banana and orange. At the palate it’s fruity, full bodied, woody, nutty, spicy and a little funky with flavors of dark chocolate, oak and vanilla. The finish is medium long and round with flavors of coffee.
Review by Kevin Sorensen 🇩🇰
This one is better than the regular 12 year old and a very nice surprise. I also like the shape of the bottle. Oak from nose to finish, very fresh with fruits and spices. This is a sipper and not a mixer. Price to quality is very good.
Review by Tim
Great beginner rum with harmonious and rounded aromas. Fruits (very faint esters), caramel, wood, spices. Also similar aromas on the palate and finish, with a bit of tobacco and earth added. The only criticism is, of course, the dilution. A rum with barrel character.
Review by Adrian Wahl
Really solid Jamaican. For me, however, more of a mixer. 74/100
Review by Joachim Guger
Let it be said up front, I am an Appleton fan.Nice flavor profile. Dried fruit, banana, perfect wood ripeness, spice and at the end the potstill portion with solvent. Complex.Also has something fresh like an Agricole.The 43% limit the potential, if you want more, you should reach for the 2003, this resembles it the most.At 25€ a bargain and a Gästerum, for which you do not have to be embarrassed and to which I myself like to reach.😉 Super in the Daiquiri.🍸The bottle is also really nice.
Review by Martin Ekrt
I have another gift in the form of this bottle. Light aromas of banana, vanilla, barrel, nuts and a subtle taste of Jamaican esters. Silky flavours of vanilla, tropical fruit, cask, light esters and finishes with more dried fruit and caramel. The perfect unpretentious rum for everyone.
Review by abaker-rum
This is one of my go to mixing rums so I rate it a bit higher than perhaps the individual shipping taste deserves. That said it is still a very good rum with a great pineapple and caramel nose that continues into the palate adding wood and spices from the aging. It has a short bust flavorful finish.
Review by Louis Zimmermann
An excellent entry point into the world of Jamaican rums. This one delivers the typical markers you expect, with notes of tropical fruits and a sweetness brought by its 43% (although some might find that a bit light). It sets the foundations accurately. Its only small flaw, in my eyes, is a lack of liveliness, but for the role it plays, it perfectly fulfills its mission.
Review by Gregor
It is not particularly exciting
Review by rum_sk
I have old bottle of AE12 that I want to compare side by side but it seems either same or very similar. The smell and taste of this rum is a synonym of word rum. If somebody utters word rum, this is the taste and smell I immediately recollect. There is supposedly certain amount of esters but it is very low and hidden behind a sophisticated smell and taste. In both 👅 and 👃 you get wood, vanilla, cocoa, raisins, sour fruit like lemon or green apple, nicely balanced sweetness with spicy notes of pepper. This is simply one of my most favorite rums out there, especially for a fabulous price. 18.3.2023 I need to remedy a bad riise taste so I had fo reach out for verified good rum. 28.5.24: Pulling a 0.2 down to align with new rums that I tried and find better or on the same level.
Review by Rumpalumpa
Simply wonderful this combination of light Jamaica funk based on classic caramel, sweet rum notes that most other Jamaicans in my opinion lack. Perfect entry into Jamaica rum.
Review by crazyforgoodbooze
Very tasty and round Appleton. Typical roast aromas and banana / caramel chocolate with a nice wood influence! Something bitter in the finish but top PLV.
Review by HenryL
In the nose spicier and more complex than the Appleton 8, but not quite as pleasing.In the mouth similar, a nice chocolate note resonates and develops in the finish to a chocolaty coffee bean.Ene great mix of the for me classic Jamaica profile and Foursquare. Super entry into Jamaica, also exciting with a somewhat herbal note in addition to the spices.Who stands on wood is better off with the 12er, who likes it a little sweeter and fruity should reach for the 8er. With me it depends on the mood which I prefer.
Review by Gerbes
Even though I usually prefer rums from continental South America, this Jamaican rum is good. There seems to be relatively low sweetness, more spiciness buy still well rounded experience.
Review by Jarrod Smith
Tasting side by side with the 8 year, this is a lot more enjoyable. Almost no alcohol taste. More wood, and a beautiful mouthfeel.
Review by Rumbaer
My 100th rum and a milestone :-) and then it's so so good. The nose already has beautiful Jamaica funk, a whole fruit basket, overripe banana, and lots of wood. On the palate it continues and I find it super pleasant to drink. I love it :-)
Review by Filip Šikula
It's nice that even these more basic Appletons are still very good. On the nose it's still ester-rich Jamaica, with fruit and oak. On the palate the oak is dominant. It could do with less dilution and higher ABV, but it surely has its target audience.
Review by Jakob Deiner
Very pleasant, inviting, rum-like, spicy, versatile aroma. On the palate fruity, at the same time woody, spicy, and a cozy warm finish with no burn at all. Definitely one of my favorites among the drier rums when sipped neat. Amazing in a Rum Mule, the best I've had so far, even better than Goslings. Drinks: - Neat: 4.5/5 - Rum Old Fashioned: 3.5/5 - Rum Cola: 4/5 - Rum Mule: 5/5 - Rum Punch: 4/5
Review by Michael Ihmels 🇩🇪
Here again a relatively tasty Appleton Estatet. Very fruity on the nose and in the taste, but more like dried fruit. But also a little spice and wood to recognize. Definitely to be recommended again
Review by Schorgelorsch
I think this is a clear improvement for an 8-year-old. It's good from the very first sip. No need for it to develop, no water added or mixing needed. Of course, it's not as complex and intense as other Jamaicans, but that makes it an excellent entry-level and/or daily sipper.
Review by Decky Hicks Doughty
The nose is quite nutty, almonds mainly. There's also caramel and wood. Not too fruity or funky. Burnt dark sugar dominates the palate but tobacco and oak keep things from being too sweet. The finish is medium to long and has lots of chilled out oak and espresso coffee notes. It's a good rum to relax with. Nothing to shocking but the quality is there.
Review by Beaureve
Nose: Primarily vanilla and caramel. Also slightly fruity. Taste: Vanilla and banana. I also detect subtle roasted notes. The barrel notes are barely noticeable. Overall rather light, but that's hardly surprising at only 43%. I tried it a while ago and noted that I don't need to try it again. The first impression definitely holds - I don't need it again. Basically not a bad rum but not quite my thing. As much as I generally like Jamaica, I find Appleton quite difficult. Still, I will try more from them here.
Review by Emilien
1st tasting. Sipping without problem. Safe bet against the unknown. Purchase price 42€. But for a memorable evening, another rum will be needed. 2nd tasting: after some time, it is still quite good. Very good sipping rum. I raise the score to at least 7.5 (previously 7). Nose: chocolate, a bit woody and very slightly nutty Mouth: chocolate, very light caramel, molasses, soft, spicy (nice little kick) Finish: chocolate, light woody. Conclusion: I recommend it for lovers of sweet (without overdoing it)/chocolate rum. Had a very good time with it.
Review by Abrahan Reyes
I would love to have the other 12-year expression in hand to try side by side. I couldn't detect much difference from what I remember and perceived. It's still very pleasant and easy to drink. Interestingly, I noticed an aftertaste that somehow resembles sugarcane juice rum.
Review by Michal S
Ok a rum that smells better than it tastes.
Review by Giuseppe Ambrosio
Very lively on the nose, as well as on the palate. Perhaps the alcoholic note, being low, doesn't express itself well. Tasted again the next day and the impression is the same, a product not to my taste. (PS: the rating, like the impressions, are purely personal)
Review by w00tAN
Beautiful round Jamaican
Review by pavlix vipax
I don't know yet, in the nose probably better than anything, but in taste quite strong, more prickly, more whisky-like, still needs a chance, oily strong, good, some fruit at the end passion fruit, creamy smooth, chocolate, slight prickliness, shorter finish, sweet nose, esters, caramel, quite complex in taste
Review by VitaliiZaichuk
Legend Jamaica)
Review by akkisz
Classically good, a bit of Jamaica fruit. Mild but round. Well-made Appleton. Nice sipper. A bit funky but not much. A bit too smooth, but all Appletons are like that. A bit woody and banana-like. Not tiring. Also good for cocktails.
Review by TheTobias
The cask influence is rather low despite 12 years of aging with a actually like very much. The fruity site is on the focus of this rum. I love this balance and prefer it over other longer aged rums (eg Doorlys 12).
Review by passlemix
Typically very nice Jamaican nose. On the palate unfortunately too diluted but a top quality-price ratio for those who want less expensive sips.
Review by Rum Runner Labs - Will
My first shot at sitting down and discovering a sipping rum was not a disappointment; the prominent oak and vanilla notes stuck out on the nose, but citrus and banana showed up in the mouth. Really pleasant woody finish. Tasted along side Bacardi Reserva Ocho. 2023-06-16 Alongside Doorly’s 12 tastes more interesting. Refractometer: 15.4% brix
Review by François Delmotte
On the nose: the wood slightly dominates with vanilla and banana, with a light ester note and a bit of candied fruit. On the palate: I feel the same as on the nose. A tangy side that reminds me of "Arlequin" candies (for those who know them). Finish: average, fruity wood. In conclusion, a Jamaican that allows you to discover and gently enter the world of Jamaicans, not too much esters yet but a start.
Review by Jan Králík
I have to say that this rum is beautifully smooth and balanced in taste. There are nutty, vanilla and citrus notes. The citrus is quite acidic and I find that I can also smell sour apple and that doesn't really suit me.
Review by Stan Hardy
Great beginner rum, but also a pleasure for advanced drinkers. If you want to approach sugar-free Jamaicans, you’re in the right place. A good anti-sugar and pro-Jamaica course could look like this: first the Canerock, then the Appleton 12 and afterwards the Rumclub Red Barrel, or Hampden 8J.
Review by Smighty
Well rounded rum. Love the color and the aftertaste. Not too spicy. The kick is a bit harsher but pleasant. Would i recommend it - yes.
Review by Anonymous
The stems in the glass flow slowly, the body is oily. High saturation and intensity of aroma. No alcoholic aroma. If you leave it, it develops. The taste is just as intense and rich, largely repeating the notes of the aroma. If you open it over time it changes for the better. One of the cases when the quality exceeds the price (in our country it is quite inexpensive, there are promotions for this rum). Of the minuses, I don’t like the large amount of dye; I would like to see the natural color of this rum.
Review by Alan Bertoli
This rum was really a pleasant surprise because despite being cheap it still maintains a great level of quality. On the nose and palate you can feel the notes of a more refined Jamaican rum than usual, calmed by the scents derived from the wood. Very nice. In the finish a beautiful note of clove appears.
Review by Krogulczyk
Thats a fantastic rum for it’s price. Its really worth a money and bottleworthy for sure. Sadly, esters step aside in favor of the barrel aldehydes and notes of spice. But thats okay, its still a very good value for. money rum that is one of the most complex rums in this price range. Reccomended
Review by Olimpia1936
An entry-level of quality, 12 tropical years, what more do you want for 40 euros? Top-notch
Review by Anonymous
Very pleasant rum. Less for beginners, I would rather recommend this to the experienced. It reminds me a lot of Doorlys XO. The alcohol sensation is a bit high, but despite that, it's very pleasant, not too long in the finish, not sweet! I strongly recommend it to anyone who likes rum :)
Review by Ian Gilman
Another great expression from Appleton that elevates rum-forward cocktails (e.g., rum old fashioned or daiquiri with demarara syrup) and can be happily sipped. It doesn’t have the punch of a Hampden or Long Pond, but represents a very well-rounded rum aged nicely.
Review by dantoupin@shaw.ca
Vanilla and pepper spice. Smooth and tingles. Medium legs, long finish.
Review by Alexandre Rolin
Nice rum for the price. An entry-level Jamaican classic.
Review by Unanswered Prayer
as someone who rarely drinks cocktails, i naturally tasted this rum neat. it was almost exactly what i expected, but perhaps with less funk than i predicted, and more maple notes from the oak influence. the appleton 12 is a classic for a reason. it checks off all the boxes for what makes a traditional rum what it is: caramels, chocolates, baking spices, woodiness, some tropical influence, and the unmistakable flavor of a molasses-based distillate. if someone told me that this was a rum from barbados, i would believe them, if not for the label. that being said, its quality is a step down from your general foursquare rum, which is the first distillery that comes to mind when comparing these flavor profiles. a solid rum. not perfect, but it delivers.
This selection contains no written reviews in this rating range.
Expert reviews
4 critics scored it, averaging 7.7/10. Reviews from RumX's blog partners, independent experts who have tasted, evaluated, and described this rum.
Expert review by Alkotip
Read full review ›Although the trend in the rum community today is to drink Jamaican rums with a higher amount of esters than Appleton 12, it will certainly defend its place of honor. It has a balanced intense but smooth aroma and a complex taste in which you will find both sweetness and dryness, with citrus, coffee, chocolate or vanilla. It drinks beautifully and lingers in the throat long enough for you to enjoy it to your heart's content.
Expert review by The Dunder Hut
I struggle with this one, pure I don't like it so much. But of the standard expressions this is a win in a maitai
Expert review by Single Cask Rum
Read full review ›
Expert review by Rum nagykövet
Read full review ›
Appleton Rare Casks 12 Years at live auctions
A bid is not a final price: the house sets the buyer's premium, shipping and any customs duty.
All live auctions ›Community shelf
749 bottles logged by 652 collectors.
Both drunk and collected.
34% opened, 99 emptied.
What does Appleton Rare Casks 12 Years cost?
Community paid 28–46 €.
Current best price: 37.80 € – within the typical community range.
Purchase prices reported by members, not a shop price. Avg. 38 €. Price history with 8 auction results in RX+ ›
+81 additions in the last 3 months.
Additions per month over the last 12 months; dark bars: the last 3.
749 purchased · 365 tasted · 349 wishlist · as of
Details about Appleton Rare Casks 12 Years
A Pot & Column Still Rum from Jamaica, distilled by Appleton Estate, at 43%.
Read on in the RumX Guide
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