Prime Minister Andrew Holness recently

toured the world-renowned Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience, located in

Nassau Valley, St. Elizabeth.

The tour, which gave an insight into

Jamaica’s rich history and culture, included Joy Spence, the first female

Master Blender in the world and Appleton Estate’s Master Blender; Managing Director

of J. Wray & Nephew Limited, Jean-Philippe Beyer; and Chairman of J. Wray

& Nephew Limited, Clement Lawrence.

Holness was taken to the mini theatre on

the property, which displayed the process and history of Jamaica’s rum, a

milling station and a molasses station. He also toured the estate’s distillery,

warehouse, and viewed the Prime Minister Reserve Collection.

PM Holness was presented with a 21-year special collection brew, the Prime Minister’s Collection.

Holness lauded Spence for her continued

contribution to the local spirits industry, having been appointed the first

female Master Blender globally and serving close to 40 years in the industry.

“I am certain that you are coaching others

to come on board. Your dedication to the industry, your contribution is

definitely valued,” he said.

For her part, Spence told JIS News that

Appleton Estate prides itself on promoting Brand Jamaica both locally and

internationally.

“Rum and our Jamaican heritage go hand in

hand, and so Brand Jamaica is very important in our promotions

internationally,” Spence said.

“I am proud to be actually selling Jamaica while selling Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum, because I have [a] passion for our country. We demonstrate the passion behind making our brand, the history of our country, the unique geography that we have here, which links back to the whole Jamaican experience,” she added.

— JIS