Rating 95
Style
Produced In Nassau Valley
Jamaica
ABV 63%
Availability Limited
Price $650.00 
Reviewed By
Reviewed 2025-12-02

Appleton Estate Hearts Collection 1998 Review

Appleton’s Hearts Collection — a series of rare rums created by master blender Joy Spence and rum expert Luca Gargano — might be the best line in spirits these days. 1998, their latest release and the eighth expression in the series, is no exception. It is built from a single proprietary marque distilled in a copper pot still, aged for 25 years, bottled in 2023, and released last year. It offers a hint of Jamaican funk on the nose, while the palate is more butterscotch-covered vanilla ice cream, with a hint of candied ginger and a little oak.

As of 2024, VinePair no longer participates in any affiliate programs. All links included in our content are as a convenience to our readers, not for earning commission — we receive no monetary value from them. Learn more about our tastings & review department here!

95
POINTS
Appleton Estate Hearts Collection 1998
Appleton’s Hearts Collection — a series of rare rums created by master blender Joy Spence and rum expert Luca Gargano — might be the best line in spirits these days. 1998, their latest release and the eighth expression in the series, is no exception. It is built from a single proprietary marque distilled in a copper pot still, aged for 25 years, bottled in 2023, and released last year. It offers a hint of Jamaican funk on the nose, while the palate is more butterscotch-covered vanilla ice cream, with a hint of candied ginger and a little oak.

Reviewed On: 12-02-2025
95
POINTS
Appleton Estate Hearts Collection 1998
Appleton’s Hearts Collection — a series of rare rums created by master blender Joy Spence and rum expert Luca Gargano — might be the best line in spirits these days. 1998, their latest release and the eighth expression in the series, is no exception. It is built from a single proprietary marque distilled in a copper pot still, aged for 25 years, bottled in 2023, and released last year. It offers a hint of Jamaican funk on the nose, while the palate is more butterscotch-covered vanilla ice cream, with a hint of candied ginger and a little oak.

Reviewed On: 12-02-2025