Appleton 12 is a personal favorite of mine and is my go-to first recommendation for anyone getting serious about rum. Appleton 12 is a bourbon drinker’s rum as it is smooth with less perceivable funkiness. Jamaican rums are known to be funky, but Appleton’s funky twang is much tamer than other Jamaican rums. It is apparent on the first sip that this rum has done some barrel aging, but it is not overpowering. Appleton 12 has notes of caramel, toasted hazelnut, green apple, vanilla, caramel, cocoa nibs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and Alligator pepper. Appleton 12 is a workhorse too. It is not only a great sipper, but it works great in cocktails. It can shine in many cocktails, but I enjoy it when make a top-shelf 1944 Mai Tai.