[ST. ELIZABETH, Jamaica] – Appleton Estate, a global leader in premium aged rums, is proud to announce the launch of Ruby Anniversary Edition, a limited-edition release celebrating Master Blender Joy Spence’s 40 years of craftsmanship with the distillery.
Ruby Anniversary Edition is an exclusive release unlike any before it in the brand’s 270-year history. It is a blend of 5 exceptionally rare Jamaica rums, aged for a minimum of 35 tropical years. Including rums as old as 45 years, resulting in a complex sipping rum like no other. With only 500 bottles available, this offer is a luxurious gem for rum lovers. In addition, a commemorative release for the first female Master Blender in the spirits industry. Plus a taste of decades of craftsmanship and dedication.
First Female Master Blender
There can be only one woman to hold the title of “First Female Master Blender in the Spirits Industry”, that woman is Joy Spence. Her trailblazing accomplishment is proof of her pioneering mindset and commitment to excellence in her work. She is an energetic, unbelievably skilled and deeply passionate force of nature. Joy has worked at Appleton Estate for four decades. And, proudly served as its Master Blender for nearly a quarter of a century. As a result, pouring her vast knowledge and perfectionism into every bottle of Jamaica’s most-celebrated rum. Joy’s unparalleled sensory skills, allowing her to detect the most delicate notes in her rums, are the crowning jewel of her dedication and expertise.
“Forty years ago, I had the opportunity to channel my passion, talent, and knowledge into a role at Appleton Estate,” recalls Spence. “I was honored to join one of the most revered world-class brands, in the place I call home. Forty years later,” Spence continues, “from luxury editions to permanent expressions. I am still immensely proud to continue to innovate and produce luxurious aged rums. Especially at the highest quality standards, suited for every occasion. Since 1981, my goal has been to create the world’s most exquisite, refined aged rums and to share them with the world. This special edition marks a milestone for me. It was created using some of the finest stock in our over 200,000 barrels.”
Ruby Anniversary Edition
Produced at the oldest continuously-operating rum distillery in Jamaica, Ruby Anniversary Edition is an exquisite blend of five hand-selected column and pot-still rums, crafted with Jamaican limestone-filtered water, with no added flavours, and aged in Jamaica – a taste of the excellence of the land and its people. Aged a minimum of 35 years, one of the charms of the Ruby Anniversary Edition is rooted in its strict ageing process. Each bottle contains liquid as old as 45 years and as young as 35 – a luxurious time capsule to taste the flavour of decades in the tropics.
Due to Jamaica’s climate, Appleton Estate rums age nearly three times more quickly than spirits aged in cooler climates. This allows for richer, fuller flavors to develop in a shorter period of time. Meaning that the minimum age of 35 years in the tropical climate of Jamaica is equivalent to over 100 years of aging in a cooler climate. Thanks to the significant loss of liquid by evaporation. “Heaven’s envy” is captured in the very limited quantity of liquid bottled for this release.
Collector’s Item
A truly unique collector’s item, Ruby Anniversary Edition is a true work of craftsmanship and expertise. An ode to the talent of iconic Master Blender Joy Spence. To mark such an occasion, a ritual must be encouraged for tasting. Best enjoyed neat or in a tulip-shaped Glencairn snifter, nosing the rum will announce the powerful aromas of cinnamon with minty orange bouquet. Next, airing the rum will reveal notes of delicate apple, overlaying rich vanilla, and continue with bursts of warm butterscotch, and rich coffee with toasted oak. Sipping this luxurious rum reveals on the palate with a delicate molasses and spicy honeyed taste. The finish is delicately smooth, with creamy dry oak– a complex sipping rum meant to be enjoyed slowly.
Appleton Estate Ruby Anniversary Edition is a limited-edition release. Only 500 bottles are available at the Joy Spence Appleton Estate Retail Rum Experience in Jamaica. In addition to select premium retailers starting in January 2022.
APPLETON ESTATE
Nestled in the heart of Jamaica, in the beautiful, lush Nassau Valley lies the Appleton Estate. For over 265 years, they’ve been crafting authentic, premium rums. Especially, using time honored traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. From cane to cocktail, their critically acclaimed rums are created by the environment. Plus, ingredients and practices that are unique to their Estate. Their terroir, with its ideal climate, fertile soil and topography, the natural spring that supplies their water for fermentation, through to distillation, ageing and blending all combine to produce rums that are delicious and alive, vivid and deep with complex flavors and aromas.
The Appleton Estate rum collection includes the Signature rum. In addition, 8 Year Old Reserve rum, 12 Year Old Rare Casks rum, 15 Year Old Black River Casks rum. Plus, the 21 Year Old Nassau Valley Casks rum.
Showcasing the Estate’s renowned aged rum inventory, limited edition offers, such as: 30 Year Old Jamaica rum and 50 Year Old Jamaican Independence Reserve. Additionally, in 2017 Appleton Estate introduced Joy Anniversary Blend a limited-edition 25 Year Old rum. It celebrated Joy Spence’s 20th Anniversary as the first female Master Blender in the spirits industry.
