Introducing the Appleton Hearts Collection, an extraordinary series crafted through the unique collaboration of Appleton's renowned master blender, Joy Spence, and Italian spirits connoisseur Luca Gargano of Velier. Together, they have created a collection that celebrates the art of traditional Jamaican pot-still rum, with each expression carefully selected from Appleton’s extensive barrel reserves. The collection consists of seven rare vintages, distilled between 1984 and 2003, each capturing a distinct moment in Jamaican rum history. The oldest in the series, distilled in 1984 and aged for an impressive 37 years, stands as one of the longest-aged 100% pot-still rums available today, embodying the depth, complexity, and heritage of the Appleton Estate.
Distilled in 2003, this 18-year-aged rum is crafted exclusively from 100% copper pot stills, a technique that amplifies the robust, full-bodied character characteristic of Appleton's high-ester rums. With an ABV of 63%, only 5,000 bottles were produced, making it a limited edition. The nose opens with classic citrus tones, showcasing notes of orange peel, underpinned by hints of dark chocolate and subtle spice. On the palate, there’s a vibrant blend of spice and citrus, balanced by oak and a hint of coffee. The smooth yet intense finish features lingering vanilla, coffee, and citrus—typical signatures of the Jamaican terroir.
Distilled in 1984 and aged for an unparalleled 37 years, this limited release of only 1,800 bottles is the oldest expression in the Hearts Collection, bottled at 63% ABV. The nose presents powerful notes of aged oak, vanilla, and hints of leather, complemented by layers of dried figs and a touch of old books—a tribute to its extensive aging.
On the palate, it is rich and full-bodied, with dominant wood tones and a nuanced bitterness that adds depth, accented by hints of tobacco and roasted nuts. The finish is long and intense, leaving behind earthy and spicy notes that linger, making this rum a profound experience of Jamaican heritage and expertise in long aging.
Crafted in 1999 and aged for 21 years, this pot still rum is a testament to the master blending that defines the Hearts Collection. Limited to 3,000 bottles and bottled at 63% ABV, it offers a unique nose with complex layers of wood, spice, and tropical fruit, a result of the long tropical aging in American oak casks. The palate opens with herbal and spicy flavors, balanced by tropical fruits like pineapple and banana. A long, woody finish with subtle licorice and tobacco notes underlines its balanced character, making it an essential for collectors.
Distilled in 1995 and aged for a quarter of a century, this 25-year-old rum is one of the rarest in the collection, with only 3,000 bottles released. Bottled at 63% ABV, its nose is rich in woody and leathery tones, enhanced by nuances of tropical fruits, emphasizing the Jamaican influence. The palate is intense yet smooth, offering an interplay of dried fruit and oak, a testament to its prolonged maturation. The finish is long and satisfying, featuring lingering woody and tropical notes that appeal to serious connoisseurs and collectors.
Distilled in 1994 and matured for 26 years, this expression has a slightly lower ABV of 60%, yet it retains the robust intensity typical of the Hearts Collection. Limited to 3,000 bottles, it reveals a complex nose with tropical fruits—coconut, banana, and a hint of orange peel—complemented by subtle gluey and oaky undertones. The taste is bold, with woody, roasted notes, and an unmistakable tropical character. The long finish provides a unique balance of roasted oak and fresh orange peel, making it a memorable addition to the collection.
This 20-year-old rum was distilled in 2002, with an ABV of 63% and a limited release of 5,700 bottles. The fruity aroma leads with apple and bitter orange, complemented by soft layers of vanilla and caramel. On the palate, it combines fruit-forward notes with pronounced oakiness, resulting in a deep, layered experience. The long finish is warm and woody, embodying the classic traits of a well-aged Appleton rum.
Distilled in 1993 and aged for 29 years, this rum is bottled at a solid 63% ABV and is one of the most recent additions to the collection. With only 3,000 bottles available, it’s a showcase of meticulous aging techniques that bring forth a tropical and fruity profile. The nose is complex, offering banana, pineapple, green fruits, and a hint of mango, complemented by mint and oak. On the palate, a refreshing minty note blends with deeper flavors of coffee and caramel, providing a layered experience. The long, smooth finish with hints of vanilla and chocolate is a fitting tribute to the exceptional craftsmanship of the Appleton and Velier partnership.
The Appleton Estate 1998 Hearts Collection Pot Still, aged for 25 years, is a rare release of only 2,706 bottles. Crafted by master blender Joy Spence and Luca Gargano, it was distilled in a Forsyth’s pot still and aged entirely in the tropical climate of Jamaica.
The nose opens with rich toffee and dark chocolate, followed by dried apricots, raisins, and prunes, with warm undertones of cinnamon and nutmeg. Subtle notes of toasted almonds and smoky oak add depth. The long, warm finish leaves hints of honey and black pepper on the tongue, making this 63% ABV rum a truly memorable sip and a testament to Appleton's expertise.
Source: https://www.velier.it/en/rum/6084-appleton-hearts-collection-the-re-evolution-of-the-pot-still.html
