Appleton Estate Reserve Jamaica Rum has been named the Best Rum and has been awarded the Chairman's Trophy in the rum category at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC) 2012 which was held in New York City earlier this month. Appleton Estate Reserve Jamaica Rum emerged the winner in the rum category after beating 30 other international rum entrants, and receiving a score of 96 points out of 100. Winning an accolade from the USC is a coveted stamp of approval within the spirits industry. Only the highest quality products are able to achieve high marks in the rigorous scoring process.

In commenting on the award, Andy Holmes, chief operating officer of the International Division of J Wray & Nephew Limited, the brand owner of the Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum Brand, noted that the company was very proud of the achievement. "It is very rewarding when our products are recognised for their quality and are declared top in their category by independent, internationally acclaimed bodies such as the USC. This accolade is especially rewarding as Appleton Estate Reserve Jamaica Rum is one of our finest blends and is a creation of our Master Blender Joy Spence." Holmes made note that J Wray & Nephew Limited is fortunate to have control over each step in the rum-making process. "From the growing of the sugar cane at the Appleton Estate, to our fermentation, distillation, ageing, and bottling processes, we are able to control the quality at every step, and this, combined with the high levels of skill and expertise that our team brings to the table, allows us to consistently produce rums of the highest quality."