Appleton Estate

Thanks to Appleton Estate for being a sponsor of the 2018 Independence celebrations for Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago.

Appleton Estate has the distinction of being the oldest sugar estate and distillery in Jamaica in continuous production.  They have been crafting this delicious and alive rum with the warmth, passion and unique sprit of Jamaica for more than 265 years on the estate nestled in St. Elizabeth’s Nassau Valley.  This region is the breadbasket of Jamaica with much of the Island’s delicious fruits and vegetables coming from this parish.

The road to the Appleton Estate is rough and windy, the land teeming with green vegetation, the air hot and sticky.  This land is the mother to Appleton rum: the endless fields of vivid green sugarcane, the rich and fertile soil and the blazing blue limestone spring supplying the water all give rise to the lingering sweet smells of molasses and ageing rum that fill the air.

The first known documentation of rum production on the Appleton Estate is dated 1749.  However, it is believed that the origins of the Estate date back to 1655, when England captured Jamaica from Spain.  Frances Dickinson, whose grandsons Caleb and Ezekiel are the earliest known owners of Appleton Estate, took part in that conquest of Jamaica.  It is believed that Appleton Estate was part of the land grant that Frances Dickinson received as a reward for his services.

Today’s beautifully complex and aromatic Appleton Estate rums are of a unique style, produced only in Jamaica, and only at Appleton Estate.  All Appleton Estate rum is produced on a single estate in a small circumscribed geographic area, which makes it one of the few rums in the world to claim a terroir and the only rum in the world that has a terroir as unique as the Nassau Valley.

Appleton Estate has a range of three award-winning, premium rums that comprise the Brand’s core range:

• Appleton Estate Signature Blend Jamaica Rum,
• Appleton Estate Reserve Blend Jamaica Rum and
• Appleton Estate Extra 12 Year Old Jamaica Rum.

Additionally, there are two limited edition luxury rums:

• Appleton Estate 21 Year Old Jamaica Rum and
• Appleton Estate 50 Year Old Jamaica Independence Reserve Rum.

The Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum range has a heritage of awards dating back to 1862, when J. Wray & Nephew Limited won three gold medals for its 10, 15 and 25 year-old rums in the International Exhibition held in London.  This tradition of quality and excellence continues today as the products continue to win numerous awards in international competitions.

Why not judge for yourself by trying the 2 recipes below?

Appleton Estate Signature Jamaican Mule

• 1 part Appleton Estate Signature Blend
• 3 lime wedges
• Two parts extra fiery ginger beer
• 1 dash Angostura bitters (optional)

Appleton Estate Signature adds a great depth of flavor to this variation on the Mule, and is best enjoyed with a fiery ginger beer.  The dash of bitters provides extra complexity, if preferred.

Squeeze the limes into a highball glass, pressing them with a muddler.  Add ice and build remaining ingredients into the glass and stir.

JAMAICAN HONEY SOOTHER

• 2 parts Appleton Estate Extra 12 Year Old
• 1/4 part honey
• 1/2 part fresh lemon juice

Soothing honey and lemon highlights the rich, warm taste of Appleton Estate Extra 12 Year Old in this simple cocktail.

Pour the rum, honey, and lemon juice into a cocktail shaker, half-filled with ice cubes.  Shake well, strain into a Coupette cocktail glass and serve.