Unique 30 Year Old Rum Launches In New Zealand

Unique 30 Year Old Rum Launches In New Zealand

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AUCKLAND, 3 February 2010 – Kiwis can this month register to own a piece of history as one of the world’s rarest rums launches in New Zealand.

The Appleton Estate 30 Year Old Jamaica Rum is the world’s oldest commercially available rum. Only 1,440 bottles were produced in total, created from six casks of rum that have been in storage from 1978 or earlier. Just 30 of these bottles are available for purchase in New Zealand.

Allen McCormick from The Rum Company says, “While Scotch and brandy have been aged for extended periods for centuries, it’s only very recently that rum has started to be aged for long periods. Much of this has been due to the prohibitive cost of storing it – the ‘angel share’ effect means that due to evaporation in the tropical Caribbean climate, more than 10% of the contents of rum casks are lost every three years. This adds to the exclusivity and rarity of the Appleton Estate 30 Year Old.”

The six casks that the 1,440 bottles of Appleton Estate 30 Year Old Jamaica Rum came from originally started out as 16 casks. Because of the ‘angel share’ effect, every three years one of the ageing casks had its contents transferred to the others, ending up with the six casks from which the 30 Year Old was bottled.

To celebrate the New Zealand launch of the 30 Year Old, Appleton Estate has also joined forces with award-winning chef Geoff Scott to create a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience. Those who purchase a bottle of the Appleton Estate 30 Year Old will be invited to attend a spectacular dinner event to be held on 16 March at Auckland’s magical Kelliher Estate. Guests will be treated to a 5-star menu created by Geoff Scott, owner and chef of Auckland's iconic Vinnies Restaurant (New Zealand Culinary Fare 2008 Restaurant of the Year). Appleton Estate 30 Year Old owners will receive two tickets to enjoy what will be an unparalleled Appleton Estate experience.

Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum’s Master Blender Joy Spence, the international spirits industry’s first female Master Blender, describes the Appleton Estate 30 Year Old Jamaica Rum as a complex yet delicate blend. “The individual marques of rum that make up this blend have been aged for a minimum of 30 years in oak barrels, and while being wonderfully complex, it also has a delicate side to it that I think will surprise many rum and spirit connoisseurs.”

She says, “On the nose you will detect notes such as baked pear, maple, spice and, of course, the distinctive orange peel that is the hallmark of all Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum brands. On the palate you get a subtle oak character wrapped in delicate spices and vanilla. It is smooth and mellow, as you expect a rum that has been aged for 30 years to be; however the oak character is by no means overwhelming. To truly appreciate all the special qualities of Appleton Estate 30 Year Old it should be savoured neat in a snifter.”

Allen McCormick says, “This is a fantastic opportunity to own a piece of history – in addition to owning one of the world’s finest rums, Kiwi rum connoisseurs lucky enough to purchase a bottle will be in for a real treat. The breathtaking location of Kelliher Estate will offer a unique experience reminiscent of the Appleton Estate itself. Combined with the incredible menu that Geoff Scott is creating and the chance to be one of the first in the country to taste this extremely limited edition rum, it’s an event not to be missed.”

ENDS

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