By Ainsworth Morris 

Jamaicans who have never journeyed to the truly historical 276-year-old Appleton Estate museum in St Elizabeth have a chance to experience a visual and first-hand replica at the new temporary museum established by the rum manufacturers at their corporate offices in New Kingston.

Located at 23 Dominica Drive, rum enthusiasts can sign up to experience free tours during weekday afternoons until July 31.

Tours officially began on Tuesday evening following a launch event, where deputy mixologist for Appleton Estate, David Morrison, gave a breakdown and delivered a tour guide.    

The Appleton Estate is one of Jamaica’s most iconic treasures. It has been a proud flag bearer on the global stage, while truly and authentically representing the quality of the finest Jamaican rum.

Tours on location include The Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience, and one of the main attractions there is the museum, which takes patrons through a journey of how the two-centuries-and-a-half-old Jamaican rums got to where they are now. 

Morrison defined the new temporary St. Andrew museum as “an opportunity to explore and immerse yourself in a way that the world would envy”.

“We take it for granted. We have our fine Appleton Estate Jamaica Rums around us every day, but the world wants our rums. The world craves our Appleton Estate Jamaica Rums, so let us take advantage of this truly incredible experience, everybody… It really is a very important living, breathing representation of Jamaican excellence in rum-making,” Morrison said during his remarks.    

“Visitors will explore the intricacies of our production process, from fermentation, distillation, ageing, and yes, exclusive tasting sessions.

“You’re going to experience the rich depth and complexity that makes Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum a global standard, so we are not just talking about a local rum; we’re talking about a rum that plays on the global stage in a very, very big way. Once again, something that we as Jamaicans ought to be very, very proud of,” he said.  

He noted that from all his world travels, he is always taken back to a place of great pride, Jamaica, and there is much respect for Jamaicans worldwide because Jamaican rums have played an integral role in putting Jamaica on the map. 

“This tiny island nation commands so much respect worldwide. When people think about Jamaica, they think about our music, they think about our culture, tourism, coffee and of course, our rum. Our rum has helped to place Jamaica on the map, and it’s something that we should all be very proud of,” he said.

In addition to the launch of the temporary museum, this month, Appleton Estate also launched their newest campaign On The Rum—a month-long celebration devoted to educating and engaging Jamaicans about the world-renowned dark spirit. 

Morrison said On The Rum is more than a campaign. It’s a cultural invitation for persons to immerse themselves in a rich history, craftsmanship, and the essence of Jamaica itself. 

They started on May 13 with rolling out a series of experiences and conversations connected to On The Rum islandwide, which highlights the craftsmanship and care that goes into every single drop of Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum. 

He said restaurants and bars across the island will also be partnered with for rum and food pairings. 

“These experiences are designed to elevate the dining experience and show how Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum really complements and enhances flavours that we all know and love. People think about wine pairings, but you also have to recognise that food and rum go hand-in-hand as well,” he said. 

He said bartenders and mixologists in the industry are not forgotten, as the Appleton Estate team will be engaging them during a four-week competition with over 25 accounts, challenging them to craft, innovate and create amazing Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum cocktails.