Appleton Estate has announced the launch of a new limited-edition rum release – its oldest expression to date.

Appleton Estate – The Source 51 Year Old (62% ABV) is a pot still rum which was aged in Jamaica’s tropical climate for over five decades. This historic release, limited to just 25 decanters, marks a significant milestone for the 275-year-old distillery and sets a new standard of excellence in the category.

This one-of-a-kind, single marque rum was meticulously crafted from Appleton Estate’s own single-estate sugarcane, using open fermentation and distilled exclusively in the estate’s traditional copper pot stills.

Laid down in a single American oak cask on July 30, 1973, in the Estate’s most iconic aging warehouse, it was originally overseen by Master Blender Owen Tulloch, and later entrusted to his protégé and successor, Dr. Joy Spence – the first female Master Blender in the spirits industry.

Named for the iconic aquifer at the heart of Appleton Estate, The Source pays homage to the crystal-clear spring that flows through limestone-filtered riverbeds and lies at the centre of every drop of rum aged at Appleton. This unique geography, deep in the lush Nassau Valley of Jamaica, has long been a source of inspiration for Dr. Joy Spence and is fundamental to the distinct flavour of Appleton’s expressions.

As the longest tropically aged rum ever released, The Source is said to exemplify the extraordinary complexity and depth that only time in such a climate can deliver. Unlike spirits aged in cooler environments, tropical maturation accelerates the interaction between spirit and wood – estimated at two to three times faster – yielding exceptional flavour intensity and a deep, natural colour.

Each of the 25 decanters pays homage to Jamaican excellence and Appleton Estate’s 275-year legacy. The heart-shaped decanters showcase the rum’s rich mahogany colour, transitioning into a crystalline aquamarine base that reflects the purity of the limestone spring. Each is crowned with a handcrafted copper rendition of Jamaica’s national bird, the Doctor Bird, set against a navy backdrop, and housed in a striking turquoise case adorned with a radial straw marquetry pattern inspired by pressed cane.

Commenting on the launch, Dr. Joy Spence said: “Tasting this beautiful expression with Owen over 40 years ago sparked my lifelong passion for the possibilities of aged rum. This release is a tribute to the artistry, dedication, and spirit of our people—from the hand-harvested cane and traditional distillation to the stewardship of our barrels across generations. Jamaica and rum are inseparable, much like the heart and soul captured in The Source.”

Appleton Estate – The Source, will be available later this month from select specialist retailers, for a RRP of $70,000.