Appleton Estate 15 Year Black River Casks

The aroma has light caramel and funk. Orange zest and cinnamon appear on the retro-hale. The flavors are less distinct, though caramel is present in the finish. Swirling it reveals a taste like cinnamon-flavored gum. It's very mildly sweet, making it an excellent introduction for those who typically avoid sweeter spirits. It earns 5 stars when used as a mixer, as a rum-and-coke or even with sugar-free cola is fantastic. This might be controversial, but managing blood sugar requires such choices.

A strong aroma of oak, molasses, and overly ripe banana. The palate is spicy and funky, with leather, tobacco, and allspice; the molasses is subtle. The finish is savory and tannic, reminiscent of a fine Cuban cigar. Comparing it to a 12-year-old, the aroma is nearly identical, but the 15-year-old has significantly more depth and savoriness. Much like a certain rum brand, the 15-year mark appears to be a sweet spot for this type of spirit.

This is an exquisite spirit. Burnt brown sugar, molasses, and coconut are prominent, along with banana and grilled pineapple. It evokes a sense of being on an island beach and is among the best things ever tasted. It doesn't get a perfect score because another spirit has been tasted that is considered the absolute best, but this is like a junior version of that one, and better than a 21-year-old offering, in my opinion.

A complex and highly enjoyable aroma featuring notes of grass, cotton candy, grapes, hay, a hint of ethanol, and coconut caramel. The initial taste is light coconut toffee, followed by a slightly misty finish with lingering cinnamon and orange on the tongue. I adore this offering; it's easily the best I've obtained in OH.

The nose is quite herbaceous and green, not what I'd describe as funky. It presents as much younger than 15 years. The taste is good, a little sweet, and quite intense actually. Initially rated 3.75, but after a few months, it became exceptionally good, scoring 4.5.

Notes of oak, vanilla, pineapple, coconut, tobacco, molasses, banana, apple, honey, orange, almond, sugar, and mango. 86 proof.