Appleton
Appleton Estate, set amid Jamaica’s verdant Nassau Valley, is the island’s oldest continuously operating distillery—crafting rum since 1749 from a terroir defined by limestone-filtered water, fertile soils, and a sun-drenched tropical climate.
Owned by J. Wray & Nephew since 1916 and now part of the Campari Group, Appleton Estate spans more than 11,000 acres of sugarcane. The distillery upholds a storied tradition of both pot and column still distillation. In 1981, Joy Spence joined as Chief Chemist, later making history as the industry’s first female Master Blender—her artistry behind acclaimed releases like the 8-Year Reserve and the rare 50-Year Old blend.
Appleton’s acclaimed portfolio includes:
Signature Blend (average 4 years): Fruit-forward, with notes of dried apricot, peach, molasses, and a rich, balanced finish.
8-Year-Old Reserve: Vibrant and spicy, featuring orange zest, tobacco, oak, and banana.
12-Year Rare Casks, 15-Year Black River Casks, 17-Year Legend, and 21-Year Nassau Valley Casks: Each showcasing profound maturity, layered complexity, and a masterful interplay of oak and tropical fruit.
Joy Anniversary Blend and 50-Year Vintage: Celebratory milestones crafted by Joy Spence, honoring both personal legacy and Appleton’s heritage.
Visitors can explore the Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience—an immersive journey through cane fields, fermentation, distillation, and guided tastings in the heart of Jamaica’s rum country.
