Appleton Estate’s latest Hearts Collection release is a 26-year-old Jamaican rum distilled in 1999—and a standout for both rum enthusiasts and whiskey drinkers exploring aged spirits.

The Hearts Collection debuted in 2020, with vintages selected by master blender Joy Spence and rum expert Luca Gargano. This release revisits the 1999 vintage, extending its aging by five years. It spent 26 years in ten ex-bourbon casks, was distilled on a Forsyth pot still, and bottled at 63% ABV.

A long tropical aging period intensifies the interaction between rum and oak. The result is a complex profile featuring caramel, banana, grilled pineapple, licorice, cinnamon, apple pie, brown sugar, and molasses. Despite its high proof, the rum’s warmth is described as controlled rather than overpowering. Its Jamaican “hogo”—the distinctive funky, savory character often associated with pot-still rum—may particularly appeal to longtime Jamaican rum fans.

Only 1,406 bottles are available worldwide, with a suggested price of $500. The limited release can be found at specialty retailers, though its price may rise on the secondary market.

Read more about Appleton Estate’s Hearts Collection 1999.