World’s oldest commercially available rum auctioned

World’s oldest commercially available rum goes under the hammer in Auckland

Auckland, 27 November 2012 – On 3 December in Auckland a very special bottle of Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum will go under the hammer for what is expected to be a New Zealand record breaking price.

Casked 50 years ago so it would be available to commemorate Jamaica’s 50 Years of Independence from Britain; it is the oldest commercially available rum in the world and is predicted to attract upwards of NZ$7,000.

Just 800 bottles of the Appleton Estate 50 Year Old Jamaica Rum – Jamaica Independence Reserve are in existence. Only five have made it to New Zealand’s shores with two having already been purchased by private buyers.

Appleton Estate Master Blender Joy Spence says, “We only created 800 bottles of this very special rum. When such a small number are made available, especially in New Zealand, they are highly sought-after.”

New Zealand’s premier auction house, Webb’s, has been provided the opportunity to put one of the remaining three bottles up for public auction.

Webb’s Fine Wine Department Director Simon Ward says, “We are excited to be able to include this limited edition bottle in our auction line-up. This is by far the most valuable premium rum (or spirit) we have ever auctioned and we already have considerable interest from discerning collectors throughout New Zealand and overseas who recognise this as a unique opportunity to add to their collections.”

On hand to introduce the Appleton Estate 50 Year Old Jamaica Rum – Jamaica Independence Reserve to the Webb’s auction stage will be Frankie Walker, Lion Luxury Spirits Ambassador who says, “Luxury spirits as collectables is a hot new trend in Asia Pacific and taking off in a big way here.

“The opportunity to bid for such a unique piece of Jamaica’s history and one of the most premium rums in the world is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Normally items of this nature would be sold privately – this auction provides every New Zealander with the chance to be part of something special,” he says.

The successful bidder at the Webb’s auction will also ‘win’ a private Appleton Estate tasting experience (based in New Zealand) for themselves and nine guests hosted by Frankie Walker.
Bidders can register in person at Webb’s or online by visiting www.webbs.co.nz

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