Life Like Sue

Its a Tuesday and the weather is predicted to be an all island rainfall. The night before I just decided a roadtrip in the rain cannot be that bad. My Love and I got up early, dressed comfortably and headed to Starbucks® for coffee and croissants.

Upon our arrival, all you could smell is sweet sugar cane. When driving in the parking lot, the first thing I noticed was how secluded it was and tucked away behind the hills. We were greeted warmly by the staff and then directed to the front desk to get our wrist bands. We got there right on time, as a tour started and we joined that group. We also received a welcome drink; Stormy Valley which we chose over Rum Punch.

The Tour kicked off with some information about the company, its history and the current Master Blender Joy Spence. You are then directed to a theatre to watch a short film about the history of rum in Jamaica. I loved every minute of it. At this point, I am completely in love and the tour just started! After, we are directed outside to see how cane juice is retreived in ancient times and where you also see different tools around the area; copper pots, carts etc. You then get to the infamous Appleton Estate sign so you can take a photo. Finally I have one.

Through the rest of the tour, you learn about the sugar cane plant and how it was harvested during slavery, and also tasting cane, fresh cane juice and molasses. I wish I had a jar to take home, no seriously I do. The next part of the tour is the distillery (no photos allowed) and then to where the oak barrels are stored with the rums while they age. 

You end up going around the beautiful estate and then directed to the main building to the final part, the tasting. We got to taste the Signature Rum, the 8 Year Reserve and the 21 Year Rare Casks. After the tasting, you walk along to see some historical artifacts and then to the Gift Shop. At the shop, I got me a signature blend and 2 shot glasses!

This experience was one for the books and was the best kind of trip for my birthday. I would definitely recommend this and return with my friends and family or even my team at work, and of course, to buy myself a 8 Year Old Reserve.

You can read more about the estate and book your visit here: appletonestate.com