ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — Appleton Estate, the oldest continuously operating rum distillery in Jamaica, has announced the release of what it describes as the longest tropically aged rum ever released, dubbed “The Source 51-Year-Old”.

The distillery said this is its rarest and longest aged expression to date, with only 25 heart-shaped decanters for sale.

“Aged exclusively in Jamaica’s tropical climate for over five decades, The Source is a singular masterpiece of provenance and patience. This one-of-a-kind, single marque rum was meticulously crafted from Appleton Estate’s own single estate sugar cane, 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 then later entrusted to his protégé and successor, Dr Joy Spence, the first female master blender in the spirits industry,” Appleton said in a press release on Tuesday.

The rum was drawn by Spence in January 2025.

“Tasting this beautiful expression with Owen over 40 years ago sparked my lifelong passion for the possibilities of aged rum,” said Spence. “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.”

The rum is named for the aquifer at the heart of Appleton Estate and pays homage to the spring that flows through limestone-filtered riverbeds, used in Appleton rum.

The distillery said each of the 25 heart-shaped decanters showcases the rum’s rich mahogany colour, transitioning into a crystalline aquamarine base that reflects the purity of the limestone spring. The decanter is crowned with a handcrafted copper rendition of Jamaica’s national bird, the Doctor Bird, set against a navy backdrop. It is housed in a turquoise case adorned with a radial straw marquetry pattern inspired by pressed cane.

The Source will be available to select global markets starting July 2025, priced at US$70,000.

In celebration of this milestone release, Appleton Estate said it will support the future of Jamaican art through a partnership in support of the Jamaica Art Society’s 2026-2027 In Focus Fellowship cohort.

This sponsorship will provide support and opportunities for Jamaican artists while recognising five decades of Jamaican art through co-branded dinners, fellowship sponsorship and memorable experiences. This initiative will take place through 2026.

The Source, 51 year old rum, from Appleton Estate