Last Saturday marked a journey through Jamaica’s rich history, the art of rum craftsmanship, with a unique culinary experience at the Jamaica Food & Drink Festival’s Worthy Experience.

Held in the breathtaking LuidasVale, St Catherine, this culinary event offered guests a chance to explore Worthy Park Estate and indulge in a day filled with edutainment, fine dining, and, of course, exceptional award-winning Jamaican-made rum.

The day began with an enlightening and delectable “rum edutainment” tasting session guided by Worthy Park’s senior blender, Craig Nicholson. Guests were treated to an exclusive taste of the newly released Worthy Park white overproof rum. This immersive experience offered a unique insight into the history and craftsmanship behind Jamaica’s celebrated rum culture.

The adventure continued with an engaging ride on a tractor-ledjitney, which arrived at a behind-the-scenes tour of the bottling facility and the rum-ageing house. Here, attendees got to witness the fascinating “angel’s share” phenomenon, learning more about the history and heritage of the Worthy Park Estate.

Following the educational tour, guests were transported back to the serene lawns near for an unforgettable alfresco dining experience, meticulously curated by renowned chef Jacqui Tyson. The menu featured a symphony of Jamaican flavours, including the sumptuous Walkerswood Jumbo Jerk Shrimp, marinated in a rum-infused jerk marinade and elegantly folded into delicate French-style crepes with a light cream.

The rum-glazed deboned chicken thighs, double-glazed and flash-grilled in a luscious rum glaze, proved to be a delightful revelation. The star of the afternoon, a Scottish side of salmon, marinated with Walkerswood Green Seasoning and poached to perfection, was drizzled with a rum Scotch bonnet béarnaise. The sides included roasted cauliflower florets, garlic chive mashed potatoes, herb-roasted sweet potato medallions, and creamy mac and cheese, each thoughtfully crafted to complement the main courses.

Chef Jacqui Tyson, who drew inspiration from the diverse portfolio of rums at Worthy Park Estate, shared: “We cook a lot with rum because it has so many mysterious flavours. Many Jamaican dishes aren’t complete without rum, for example, when we cook with curry goat it has to have a splash of white overproof rum. It also works as a balancing tool in many of the sauces we create. The crepes and glazes this evening have rum, so it was an easy pairing for us. We were also inspired by the nestling energy of the estate, so decided on the alfresco dining experience. We marinated the food, brought it down, and cooked it right here in the kitchen on-site. We wanted to make sure that the food prepared was an extension of the rum tour experience.”

The culinary journey culminated in a delectable dessert selection curated by Rebecca Karram of “Until We Eat Again”. The array of sweet treats included a molasses cookie, a rum-infused apple pie, and a campfire side brownie topped with a homemade marshmallow. These desserts were not only a delightful end to the day but also a tribute to the rich flavours of the Worthy Park Estate’s rum portfolio. Rebecca explained her inspiration: “Molasses is a huge part of making rum, so I thought a molasses sugar cookie was a nod to that. The mini apple pie was inspired by the rum of course, I used a rum sauce. The brownie I chose the brownie because I love making chocolate desserts and I had a great time making the marshmallow topping which gives camp fire-side feel. “

To complement the gourmet experience, a trio of signature cocktails was served. The Dark and Stormy, the Old Fashioned, and the Apple Jack Sprat each offered a unique flavour profile, perfectly pairing with the various courses.

Tamika West, marketing manager, added: “The chosen signature cocktails for the night accentuates the flavours of our rums on show this evening. The Worthy Park Select Apple Jack Sprat’s sweetness paired exceptionally well with the salmon and chicken dishes, while the spicy Worthy Park 109 Dark and Stormy signature cocktail harmoniously balanced the sweetness of the desserts.”

The Jamaica Food & Drink: Worthy Experience was a captivating blend of history, culture, and culinary artistry, leaving guests with cherished memories of the island’s warmth, hospitality, and its extraordinary culinary heritage. One patron shared, “What a lovely way to spend a Saturday experiencing the rum tour and dining on the lawns of Worthy Park Estate.”