Our Roots:
Appleton Estate's Origin, History And Identity
Since 1749, Appleton Estate has crafted exceptional rum in Jamaica’s Nassau Valley. As the island’s oldest continuously operating rum distillery, we’ve built a legacy of excellence, combining unique terroir and time-honored traditions to create rums that embody Jamaica’s true spirit.
Our unique Terroir
The Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum story begins over 275 years ago, in the one-of-a-kind, mystical location known as the Nassau Valley.
This lush valley is marked by two distinct geographical features: ancient water sources that make our rums, and limestone karsts that serve as a natural filter for the water sources that make our rums.
According to records, the earliest reference to Appleton Estate as a rum-producing estate was in 1749 when the first distillation took place.
Limestone-filtered rain water
Nassau Valley’s peculiar terrain naturally filters the rain, producing streams of clear azure water that contributes to Appleton Estate’s exceptional flavour.
Appleton Estate Blue represents the sky above the island and our precious limestone-filtered water source, reflecting the joyful spirit of Jamaica.
Lush Climate, FertileSoil And Mineral RichWater
The blend of Jamaica’s lush climate, fertile terrain, and spring water source create unique growing conditions that make Appleton Estate one of the few rums in the world with a terroir. Did you know that at the Appleton Estate we have daily rain showers at 2:30 pm? The terroir and natural climate cycle contributes to our rums’ distinct identity and flavour profile.
Appleton Estate'sHistory Since 1670
A lot has changed, except the way we make our rum.
Appleton Estate's History Since 1670
A lot has changed, except the way we make our rum.
1670 - 1749
The Founding of Appleton Estate
The Estate founder, Francis Dickinson, arrived in Jamaica and named Appleton Estate after his home town in the UK.
But the earliest reference to Appleton Estate producing legally recognised rum are dated back only to 1749.
1871 - 1914
Misadventures and New Estate Leadership
After purchasing Appleton Estate in 1871, William Hill soon runs into financial difficulties and has to sell it once again.
In 1900 Wealthy Kingston entrepreneur, Alexander McDowell Nathan purchases the Estate & its now 56 acres of sugarcane cultivation. But Alexander McDowell Nathan dies in the powerful earthquake that shook Jamaica in January of 1907.
The plantation’s manager, James Miller Farquharson, takes over the Estate and leads a massive expansion. Farquharson dies in 1914 and his younger brother Walter takes over the Estate.
1916 - 1970
Towards A Corporate Vision
In 1916, Appleton Estate is put up for sale and purchased by Cecil Lindo and his brothers, who will also purchase J. Wray & Nephew Ltd. distillers in April of that year. This brought Appleton Estate and J. Wray & Nephew Ltd. under the same corporate roof for the first time, a distinction that endures into the 21st century.
In 1970 J. Wray & Nephew Ltd. embarked on a 5 year expansion program to modernise the distillery, bottling and blending facilities.
1981 - 1999
The Beginning of the Joy Spence Era
In 1981 Joy Spence joins Appleton Estate as Chief Chemist.
Only 16 years later she became the first woman to be appointed Master Blender in the spirits industry, an amazing milestone for women across the world.
Since then, she created many of the blends that made Appleton Estate famous, including the 8 Year Old Reserve and our limited edition 50 Year Old, believed to be the oldest tropically minimum aged rum available for sale in the world.
Under her guidance in 1997 the visitor centre opens at the Appleton Estate.
2012
Appleton Estate 50 Year Old Jamaica Rum
Jamaica Independence Reserve is released to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence.
2017
Master Blender Joy Spence celebrates her 20th anniversary as master blender and creates the Appleton Estate Joy Anniversary Blend, a limited edition rum to celebrate this milestone.