Still rum country! PM Holness tours iconic Appleton Estate
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