Rum Connoisseur
Interview of The Week

JOY SPENCE

Appleton Estate’s Master Blender

 

1. Who is Joy Spence?

Appleton Estate’s Master Blender, Joy Spence, has the honour of being the first woman to hold the position of Master Blender in the spirits industry. In this role, Joy is responsible for creating new rum blends. Simply put, it is Joy’s job to ensure that that all Appleton Estate rum blends meet the high standards that consumers have grown to love and expect.

Joy joined Appleton Estate as Chief Chemist in 1981 where her predecessor and mentor at the company, then Master Blender, Owen Tulloch inspired her passion for the art of creating rum – blends. When Owen retired Joy was appointed the Master Blender in 1997. Over the last 20 years, Joy has created some of the finest rums. She has received several awards in the Rum Industry.

2011: Joy received the Golden Rum Barrel Pioneer’s Award for outstanding rum achievement.

2014: Honored by the International Spirits Challenge with the ‘Outstanding Contribution’ Award

2016: Received the Golden Rum Barrel Award for the Most Influential Rum Blender of the Last 10 Years

2017: Government of Jamaica – “Order of Distinction” Rank of Commander (CD) in recognition of her contribution to the promotion of Jamaica’s rum industry and Brand Jamaica, globally

2017: Tales of the cocktails Grand Dame Award as most influential female in the Spirits Industry

2017: “Food & Wine Magazine”, in partnership with sister publication, “Fortune Magazine” named her in the top 20 ‘Most Influential Women in Food & Drink’

2. Biggest achievement you personally feel you have accomplish for the rum industry.

I think my biggest accomplishment in the rum Industry was my being the first woman appointed Master Blender. The Industry is male dominated and I was able to open the doors for other females.

3.What made you fall in love with rum and when did it happen?

I joined the Company in 1981 as the Chief Chemist and started working with the former Master Blender Owen Tulloch. This is when my whole life changed. I discovered the exciting world of sensory analysis and how beautiful and complex the flavours are in rums. My love and passion for this spirit became a part of my DNA.

4.What is that thing that makes you want to continue in the rum industry?

The growth of premium – aged rums is very special for me and I want to see this category become the hottest in the Spirit world.
5. Favorite Drink + Recipe

One of my favorite Rum cocktails is an Old Fashioned with Appleton Estate Rare blend 12 y/o using brown sugar syrup
2 ozs Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12 yo
1 bar spoon Brown sugar syrup
2 drops Orange Bitters
2 drops Angostura Bitters
1 drop Pimento dram
Orange twist garnish

Place 1 large ice cube in an Old Fashioned Glass. Add all ingredients and stir for 5 secs. Release some of the orange oil from the twist on top and garnish

6.Where do you see the rum industry today and in the next 5 years?

The premium aged rum category will become the rising star in the next 5 years. The category today is growing and the numerous releases of aged limited time offerings are creating a new excitement in the industry.

7.What do you think needs to happen to grow the premium category of rum?

I think greater consumer awareness is the key driver for growth in the Premium category of rum.

Many consumers still think of rum as a standard spirit that you mix in cocktails and are totally unaware that premium rums can be enjoyed in the same way as a fine Scotch or Cognac.

Consumer education and new aged releases are the focus for Appleton estate.

8.Which rum would you recommend a person that’s Sipping a premium rum for the 1st time, Likes Scotch Whisky, Likes Bourbon, Likes Gin or Vodka, Likes Cognac?

I would recommend Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12 you to a Scotch whisky drinker who is sipping rum for the first time. The beautiful Vanilla, Coffee and cocoa notes derived from aging would be very appealing to a Scotch drinker.

9.Share some (2-3) of your mentors and how they have help you.

There have been several key mentors in my life.

The first is my High School Chemistry Teacher who made me develop the passion for Chemistry.

Next is the Previous Appleton Estate Master Blender Owen Tulloch who helped me to hone my sensory skills and taught me the art of Blending rums.

Finally,Messers William McConnell and Anthony Bell who had the confidence in me and took a huge risk in appointing me as the first Female Master Blender.

10. What 3-5 things do you have in your bucket list for the next 12 month?

The following are my top 3 things to do for the next 12 Months
Take my Family to New Zealand for an unforgettable vacation
Release two more very special limited time offerings for Appleton Estate
Share the experience of Rafting on the Rio Grande River in Jamaica with 20 of my closet friends

11.Any last words?

I would like to encourage young females in STEM to think outside the box for a career,follow your passion and the world is yours to conquer.

12. How can people learn more about you? Website? Social Media Page?