The Joy of Blending

In March, our thoughts turn to warmer weather, melting snow, and the imminent arrival of spring. March also celebrates International Women’s month, and what better way to celebrate than to honour the success of Joy Spence, the world-famous master blender from Appleton Estate Distillery in Jamaica.

While rum, in general, enjoys worldwide popularity, in Canada, Appleton Estate is not only the favoured brand, but the number one selling rum in Alberta—and the reason why the distillery’s newest label, the Double Cask, was released first in the province last June.

What makes this particular brand so popular? The full flavour is one reason. While all rums have distinct flavour profiles, many Jamaican rums incorporate dunder—the non-alcoholic residue left at the bottom of a still after distillation—into the mix to further enhance the flavour. This residue is collected and stored outside in pits to naturally ferment. Bacteria form and concentrate the acidity and aromas (called esters). The dunder is then re-added to the distilling process which results in a heavier, more pungent rum style. While the result is a robust one, the spirit remains smooth and cocktail-friendly, which only adds to its appeal. 

Along with fantastic rum, Jamaica is also a popular tourist destination for Albertans and with a range of resorts from which to choose, it’s easy to understand why so many of us travel there to escape our long, cold winters. Many visitors get their first taste of Appleton Estate rum while holidaying in this island country, thus developing a life-long devotion to it. If you’re heading to Jamaica soon, make sure to carve out some time for the Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience in the heart of the Nassau Valley to get up-close and personal with the legend, lore and distilling process of this award-winning rum.  

Appleton Estate’s history dates to 1749 with the distillery situated in one of the few areas of Caribbean rum production to boast terroir. Lush climate, fertile soils, the Nassau River Basin, and a daily rain shower at 2:30 p.m. create unique growing conditions for several varieties of sugarcane. Strict ageing requirements and blending of various barrels are essential components to any final rum and at the heart of the master blender’s final decision. The tropical climate is also important in creating a smooth, mellow spirit due to an ageing process that is approximately two to three times faster than that of a cool climate. 

Dr. Joy Spence joined the Estate in 1981 as chief chemist and, in 1997, became the first female master blender in the spirits industry. Her success has included creating many of the blends that have made Appleton famous today, including the Joy Anniversary Blend and the 50-year-old Independence Reserve. From cane to cup, every bottle is crafted with Dr. Spence’s enthusiasm, expertise and passion.

In Edmonton, it’s easy to walk into any liquor store and find the Appleton Estate Signature Blend on the rum shelf. With combination aromas and flavours of both fresh and dried fruits with hints of banana and molasses, it can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail like the daiquiri.

Any of the Reserves and limited edition products are delicious investments, but the recently released Double Cask is really something special. The rum, aged in single malt whisky casks unites two worlds—Jamaica and Scotland—and should be on every spirit lover’s list. Rum notes of dried raisins and apricots, orange peel, baking spice and vanilla, combined with Scotch notes of caramel and heather are evident in the glass and make for a complex and innovative rum. This unique product is a testament to Dr. Spence’s expertise and skill in the art of blending.

Jamaican Daiquiri

Yields 1

Ingredients: 

2 oz Appleton Estate 8-year-old Reserve 

0.75 oz fresh lime juice

0.50 oz simple syrup

Lime twist

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe, and garnish with a lime twist.