When you hear about Jamaica, more often times than not, it's in reference to our music, food, culture or our incredible people who have made some sort of global impact. What we don't talk about enough, in my humblest opinion, is our RUM! Recently, after visiting Appleton Estate's Rum Tour, newly rebranded as the Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience, I say this with even more conviction. 

Even though I've already done this tour 3 times in the past, once last year and twice before it got a facelift in 2017, I couldn't resist going another time. My friend and fellow blogger Racquida (from www.theislanderspassport.com) made the suggestion to go since she had never been before, so we made a trip out of it and invited three other friends Yanique, Steven and Gabby. 

Let me just get straight to the point: If you're in Jamaica, the Appleton Rum Tour is a MUST! We drove a little over 2 hours from Kingston to St. Elizabeth and it was definitely worth it. Even before you arrive on the property the experience begins with the vast fields of sugarcane crops that act almost like a fortress as you approach the estate. It was so stunningly scenic, and maybe this is because I was a history student but, I felt a sense of reverence as we drove by, with all things considered about the days of yore.

We arrived at around midday to a well needed welcome drink by the bar (rum included, of course). As we waited on our tour guide we could see the famous peacocks floating around the property through the glass window of the lounge. While this was my fourth time, the cool welcome and inviting atmosphere were as exciting as the very first time and I couldn't wait to get started. 

I won't give you much details about the tour itself since I don't want to spoil it for you but you can expect to learn a lot about the history of rum-making, the process of making it today and how to appreciate it. The tour ends with a tasting (*wink wink*) of three of their rum blends; Signature, Reserve and Rare Blend. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how friendly and exceptionally knowledgeable the tour guides were. They made every part of the tour interactive and fun, all the while never missing a beat to provide more information where there were questions.

After the tour, you have the option to check out their gift shop where all their branded souvenirs and trinkets live. I loved how premium and authentically Jamaican the items were and I couldn't resist buying myself an Appleton branded Copper Mule mug for future rum-tivities (*grins*).

Apart from the gift shop, there is also a dining area where you can have lunch for only $1000 JM which also includes a (non-alcoholic) drink. You can choose between Jerk Chicken, Jerk Pork, Escoveitch Fish and for vegans, the chef would be happy to whip you up some curried chickpeas. For side dishes, there is (my fave) Rice and Peas as well as veggie salad and a yam salad. I assume you get a variation of this depending on when you go.

All in all, it was truly a day well spent. Rum is a part of our Jamaican experience as much as our music and food and I think Appleton does a phenomenal job at showcasing this. If you have never been before, I highly recommend making the trip to St. Elizabeth (and if you can stay a whole weekend I also suggest checking out Pelican Bar too.) I think I can speak for my friends when I say we all left in high spirits and wouldn't hesitate to partake in another round of the tour.