Appleton marks 20 years of ‘Joy’ with 25YO rum

Jamaica’s Appleton Estate is celebrating the 20-year anniversary of its master blender, Joy Spence, with the launch of a limited edition 25-year-old rum called Joy.

Joy Spence with the limited edition bottle of rum

Appleton Estate’s master blender, Joy Spence, joined Appleton Estate in 1981 as chief chemist, having graduated from the University of the West Indies with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and the University of Loughborough with a Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry. She became master blender in 1997, with 2017 marking 20 years with the estate.

To mark the milestone, the Campari UK-owned rum producer has released a limited edition Appleton Estate Joy Anniversary Blend – a 25-year-old rum – which also includes rums that have been aged up to 35 years.

“It includes two rum marques which are of particular sentimental significance to me: The first of these marques was laid down to age in 1981, which is the year I joined the Appleton Estate team, and the second is my favourite marque of pot still rum. The final blend is a wonderful rum that I hope will be become a cornerstone of my legacy”, said Spence.

The rum is said to open with a delicate orange peel top note, with ginger and spice, and finishes with notes of warm vanilla, butterscotch, coffee and layers of almond and toasted oak.

Appleton Estate Joy Anniversary Blend carries at RRP of £225 and will be rolled out across markets from next month.