There was much to learn, but a rum module with Appleton Rum Master Blender Joy Spence is as relaxing as her own personality. So in a laid-back setting punctuated by selfies with a living legend, Thursday Food learnt about the characteristics of Jamaican rum: made using Jamaican limestone filtered water; the use of molasses in its fermentation; the importance of it being fermented and distilled in Jamaica and the minimum age statement. The definition of rum as a spirit distilled from the fermented products of sugar cane; it’s the most versatile spirit in the world, capable of infinite variation in style, colour, age and body; its beautiful, natural flavour and aroma. And there was no disputing its suitability for all occasions.

Appleton Estate Signature Blend: a full-bodied, medium-sweet rum with a warm honey colour, a lush fruity-aroma and a rich taste. Blend: 15 select rums, aged on average for four years. Of note is the absence of an age statement on the bottle. Bouquet: we were asked to note the fruity and sweet notes, with subtle orange peel, dried apricot, fresh peach and a hint of molasses and woody notes. Thursday Food enjoys it with Coca-Cola and orange garnish or coconut water.

Appleton Estate Reserve Blend: Blend: 20 select aged rum, aged for an average of six years (there’s no age statement on this bottle, either). Appearance: rich topaz and honey colour with a luxurious gold rim.

Bouquet: full-bodied, smooth, and delicately balanced, spice and nutty notes, followed by oaky honey, subtle vanilla and a hint of hazlenut — all wrapped in rich, dried orange peel. The finish is balanced, yet lingering with echoes of wood.

Enjoy neat or in elevated rum cocktails.

Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12-Year-Old: Not to be rushed, implored Spence. ..

A ‘minimum age’ rum as indicated by the number 12 displayed on the bottle.

Blend: Select aged rums, all matured for at least 12 years.

Appearance: Deep bronze with a honey-gold rim.

Bouquet: a constantly evolving taste experience of deep oak, fruity and cocoa notes, followed by delicate molasses, vibrant orange peel, rich vanilla, subtle coffee, with a hint of toasted oak and almond.

Enjoy as a sipping rum or in select elegant cocktails.

Our rum flight closed on a truly elevated note — Appleton Estate 21-Year-Old Jamaica Rum — a ‘minimum age’ rum as indicated by the number 21 displayed on the bottle.

Blend: Select aged rums, all matured for at least 21 years.

Appearance: A coppery, tawny hue, with excellent purity.

Bouquet: Powerful, yet with delicate, citrus, spice, and woody notes. We also discovered mellow orange peel, deep vanilla, rich nutmeg, warm coffee and cocoa notes.

The finish: long and dry, with a brown sugar sweetness that does not claw at the palate.

Savour it neat in a snifter.