Premium Jamaican Rum brand Appleton Estate has revealed a new-look bottle and label alongside the release of a new premium blend that is absolutely superb.

Appleton Estate Master Blender, Joy Spence, says the launch is a commemoration of the brand’s commitment to the highest standards of rum production and an expression of its rich Jamaican heritage, with a new modern take.

“We’re unveiling a fresh look for both our permanent collection of rums and our limited-edition versions, while maintaining our commitment to exceptional liquid,” she says.

“We hope that our new look and blend elevates the high-end cocktail and sophisticated sipping experience, while continuing to spread the joy of rum, globally.”

Alongside its Signature Blend and 12 Year Old Rare Casks Blend, Appleton Estate is introducing an 8 Year Old Reserve.

Spence says the new 8 Year Old Reserve is the most versatile expression of aged rum, revealing aromas of spicy fruit and oak, followed by hints of honey, vanilla and Appleton’s signature orange peel note.

She says Appleton Estate rums are produced from ‘cane to cup’ with each step of the production process carefully managed – from harvest and creation of our molasses to distillation, blending and bottling.

“Creating our rum is a labour of love and a true art,” Spence says. “Jamaica has a pulse unlike anywhere else, and this vibrant energy gets channelled into everything we do, especially our world-class rums.”

To find out more about the brand and the brilliant distiller, Wayfarer caught up with Spence recently and here are some of the highlights.

Joy, tell us about your career highlights and becoming the first female Master Blender in the spirits industry.

I’ve always had a love of science and chemistry. To take the lead at Appleton Estate and combine this passion with great tasting rum, reflective of our Jamaican culture, is an honour.

I first found my love for chemistry at the age of 13 in school, where I dreamed of becoming a scientist. I graduated from The University of the West Indies with a Bachelor of Science degree, first-class honours. I then spent a few years teaching before moving to England to pursue a Master of Science degree in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Loughborough. I studied hard, and currently hold the record for achieving the highest score in final exams.

I then returned to Jamaica which is where I discovered my love for creating great tasting rum. I joined Appleton Estate as Chief Chemist in 1981, then gained the title of Master Blender in 1997.

I feel honoured to be named the first female to hold this title, in an industry that is traditionally male-dominated.

Throughout my career at Appleton Estate, we have released blends that I hold close to my heart, including our new 8-year-old release, a versatile expression of aged rum with hints of honey and vanilla.

Another highlight was creating special blends for Prince William and Prince Harry.

Throughout my work, I want to inspire future generations of budding scientists to develop their skills and continue the creation of great-tasting rum.

I often work with high school students, to pass on my knowledge, and even learn from them! There are so many young and eager learners with huge potential and I’m excited to see them step up and progress our industry.

After spending almost 30 years at Appleton Estate, I look forward to continuing to produce great-tasting Jamaican Rum and watch future generations of rum enthusiasts fall in love with our craft.

Tell us about Appleton Estate’s strict 265-year-old Jamaican rum process.

Creating our rum is a labour of love and a true art. Jamaica has a pulse unlike anywhere else, and that’s channelled into everything we do, especially our world-class rums.

For over 265 years, we have been crafting authentic, premium rums using traditions passed down from generation to generation that are unique to our Estate.

Appleton Estate is nestled deep in the middle of Jamaica’s Nassau Valley, surrounded by densely forested limestone hills. Our terroir holds a unique climate, soil and topography that produces rums with vivid and deep flavours and aromas.

We ensure that each bottle of rum is authentically Jamaican, created with Jamaican limestone-filtered water, sugarcane grown from our own plantation and fermented and distilled on the island using traditional practices.

Our tropical climate also means our spirits age at a faster pace in developing their complexity and flavour. We also adhere to strict minimum ageing guidelines which means that the age statement on each bottle refers to the youngest drop of rum in that blend.

We’re proud to honour traditional practices, to have kept the vivid and complex flavours translating through each barrel of Appleton Estate.

What are three cocktails we should make at home to transport us to Jamaica?

I’d suggest the Jamaican Daiquiri, the Blue Mountain Serve and of course, the Mai Tai.

Jamaican Daiquiri

Ingredients:
30mL Appleton Estate Signature Blend
20mL fresh lime juice
15mL simple syrup (1:1 water and sugar, boiled)
Garnish: Lime twist

Steps:
Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice, and shake until well chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lime twist.

12-year-old Blue Mountain Serve

Ingredients:
60mL Appleton Estate 12 Year Old rare casks
12 coffee beans
Garnish: 3–4 whole coffee beans for aroma and garnish

Steps:
Lightly muddle coffee beans (crack beans only, do not grind). Stir muddled beans with rum over ice. Strain rum into double old fashioned glass over one large ice cube. Garnish with whole coffee beans.

Mai Tai

Ingredients:
60mL Appleton Estate Reserve 8 Year Old
15mL fresh lime juice
15mL Orange Curacao
15mL Orgeat (almond) syrup
Garnish: 1 lime shell & fresh mint sprig

Steps:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice (crushed and cubes). Shake until chilled and pour into a tapered rocks glass. Garnish with lime shell and mint sprig.