u/itsomeoneperson

I got a bottle of the 2006 Worthy Park Cask strength (bottled in 2016)
The outer packagin box looked perfect, but the bottle itself had mildew looking spots all over the glass and labeling. At first I assumed, yeah its been sitting around for a decade, thats the chance you take. Google said it's especially normal for Jamaican rums that are not filtered. The esters fill up the interior of the packaging, no idea if that has truth to it though.

What you think? Is it normal for decade old bottling of Jamaican to end up kinda mucky looking? All the spots wiped off pretty easily. Or is this a case of improper storage?

Further context, it did not smell of mildew or mold at all. It actually had a light breif smell of amazingly tropical fruityness and Jamaican adhesive funk

I'm new to buying online and Alberta shops. Whatsup with Craft Cellars sales? Watching for the past few days it seems like they can't decide what should be on sale or not.

Knob Creek, Makers, Red Breast, they all keep going on sale for like 6 hours, and then not on sale for the next 6 hours. And then they "sell out" but then have more stock 12 hours later. And then go on sale again, and then not on sale.

What the heck is going on over there?

Before I continue down my Jamaican funk journey, I got a bottle of Smith & Cross and found the undertones of the funk to remind me alot of Scotch. Either the peat or the malted barley flavor i'm not sure. I was wondering if the Hampden "muck pits" could have a similiar profile to Scotlands Peat Bogs. Or if maybe it being bottled in London picked up peat smells from the bottling location? In any case, I very much don't like the flavor that I asociate with Scotch and now also possibley Hampden rums as well.
(or are they finished in scotch barrels maybe?)

Any insight is much appreciated, thanks

(for further context, I find the more subtle gluey funk from Appleton to much more enjoyable, and not scotch like at all)

Are they actually legit the same thing with different websites and UI's or are there any actual differences?

It seemed like a reasonable price at MSRP so I ordered one with my latest haul. Little did I know until now it's an 8000 bottle collectors thing.

I love my Appleton 8 and 12, I'm not even sure what to expect, like my cask strength bourbons but Smith and Cross for example is nasty ass stuff to me lol.

I'm hoping this is something more palatable than Hampden stuff but a bit more fruity funky and higher proof than Appleton. So far Appleton 8 has my preferred funk level.

What can I expect if I open it, and should I even open it? What does a bottle like this end up going for down the line?

in Canada it used to be the other way around, but now I keep seeing Rare Breed be $20 more than the Knob

Im in Quebec and need my fav Bourbons. If there are better sites let me know.

For context my fav is Rare Breed, and Knob Single Barrel is right behind.

I see both these on a good discount. But I havent had the regular 9 in a decade, and I've never had Russells. Objectivley I would prioritize the higher proof on Knob over the 1 extra year of age on the Russell's. For example Eagle Rare taste is also slightly underwhelming for me at 45%. But I do like Rare Breed a lil more than Single Barrel (if that even can apply here)
I also actually dont like WT101 even tho I love Rare Breed.
Knob is also 5 bucks cheaper if that helps.

I've always loved Appleton 12 and the 8 years is probably even better. But I want something with more alcohol and more flavor. I'm used to cask strength bourbon. I have a bottle of Smith & Cross and it's alright but cant compete with Appleton on flavor profile. It's probably too young or too ester-y or both.
Any recommendations appreciated, it doesnt have to be Jamaican. But I do tend to like sweet, rich, fruity and cinnamon. I like that Jamaican glue smell but not too much, Appleton Signature is too gluey, 12 years is not gluey enough, 8 year is perfect. Smith and Cross was way too funky for me on a new bottle, but after a year of calming down it's quite nice.

Thanks for the help

I'd love a more premium and cut Glencairn, however I'm seeing mixed reviews about it. Some liking the lip more, some like it less. Some say its more durable some say its less durable. How is it really?
One thing I notice that bothers me about it is the cut design is a little too high like you have to overpour to get the effect properly.

My favourites are Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Alberta Premium Cask Strength, Even Williams, and I also really like Appleton Estate 8 and 12 years.

The Appleton's are lower proof than I'd like, and Alberta Premium is a great substitute for bourbon although kind of expensive.

What should I try based on my preferences?
I don't like scotch funk or jamaican funk, I just like a clean tasting sweet with some spice type profile. Higher proof the better.