On Friday, September 27, the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF) joined forces with Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum to present a rum seminar, delving into a spirited conversation surrounding the world’s foremost golden rum. Sponsors and chefs gathered @TwentyThree where Appleton Estate Senior Blender David Morrison took guests through a tasting of the range.

What makes Appleton Estate among the best rums in the world, you ask? A unique microclimate of golden sunshine and tropical showers, a water source of limestone-filtered water, expertise in the art of crafting rums since 1749, and a dash of magic take Appleton Estate Jamaica Rums across the globe, from cane to delightful cocktails.

After sampling the notable differences between column and pot-still rums and unaged and aged varieties, participants were sufficiently awake for the main act. With samples of orange peel (the brand’s signature opening note), vanilla, coffee, cocoa and chocolate to guide the tasting experience, a chorus of ‘ooohs’ and ‘ahhs’ marked the tasting moving from Appleton Estate Signature Blend, to Appleton Estate Reserve Blend, Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12 Year Old, and finally, Appleton Estate 21 Year Old. After Morrison’s expert guidance guests then ventured to test their new-found knowledge by creating Appleton Estate cocktails under the tutelage of the JWN Academy instructors.