Appleton Estate has launched a limited edition, 50-year-old rum retailing for US$5,000 ($440,000) per 750ml bottle in commemoration of Jamaica’s independence in 1962.

Only 800 bottles of the rare line of Appleton rum, branded Jamaica Independence Reserve, have been made available for sale worldwide.

Preparations for the special liquor line began over five decades ago, with rum set down and carefully managed over time to create the minimum aged 50 Year Old rum to celebrate the island’s 50th birthday, according to J Wray & Nephew, owner of the brand.

“Just before Jamaica received its independence, several barrels of rums from the Appleton Estate were set aside to age to create a very special blend of 50 year old rum that would celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence,” said Paul Henriques, managing director of J Wray & Nephew.

“The 50 year journey from barrel to bottle is complete and the world can now share in this very rare and exquisite collector’s item,” he said.

In preparation for Jamaica’s 100th birthday, the company plans to invite each living Prime Minister, and a relative of those who have passed, to pour a bottle of Jamaica Independence Reserve into barrels with the 2012 crop. These barrels of Prime Ministers’ Reserve will be kept closed until 2062.

Jamaica Independence Reserve is packaged in a hand crafted, crystal decanter, with etchings and gold screen printing on the bottle influenced by Jamaica’s National Symbols.

The bottle has a gold finished brass and cork stopper, and is presented in a black lacquered gift box with gold finished brass hinges.

A commemorative booklet that outlines Jamaica’s march to independence and the journey of the Appleton Estate 50 Year Old Jamaica Rum is included.

Henriques said the product will be rolled out in key markets globally, through select duty-free stores, bars and restaurants.