Jamaica, the island in the Caribbean renowned for its beaches, cuisine and good vibes, all over the world. Jamaica’s rum is also equally famous and very important to her people; we are afterall “rum people”. Don’t just take our word for it; The Global Spirits Masters – The world’s most highly regarded series of spirits blind-tasting competitions; voted a brand of Jamaican Rum as the top rum globally as recently as March 2022.
It is then only natural that the island’s three (3) largest rum distilleries offer the experience of a lifetime – a tropical rum tour. In today’s article we summarize the three rum tours Jamaica has to offer.
The Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience
The most popular rum tour in Jamaica is without a doubt, The Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience. Nestled in the community of Siloah in St. Elizabeth, the tour promises a one of a kind, authentic and multi-sensory experience making it truly exceptional. The tour is named after the world’s first female Master Blender, Joy Spence. Take a quick trip to the past and learn about how sugar cane was milled in the 17th century, and be rewarded with a cup of refreshing sugar cane juice. The tour takes you on a journey from cane to molasses, the foundation of authentic Jamaica rum. There’s even a quick stop at the distillery where copper pot stills hold the secrets of Appleton Estate’s centuries-old crafting, as well the ageing house. The tour ends in the tasting room, where guests get to experience premium aged rums.
Tours are currently held Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9:00am to 3:30pm. Reservations are not required but recommended for larger groups. The tour lasts approximately 1 ½ hours. There is also a restaurant and bar on property which serves Jamaican meals and Appleton cocktails.
Worthy Park Estate Rum Tour
“Escape to an experience where the art of Pot Still rum making comes alive”
Worthy Park Estate Rum Tour is the youngest of the 3 rum tours to experience in Jamaica, located in the cool hills of Lluidas Vale, St. Catherine, just about 50 minutes from either Kingston or Ocho Rios. This tour might be the youngest rum tour but Worthy Park is one of the island’s oldest sugar and rum producers, dating back to 1670. The tour promises to immerse your senses in the sights, sounds, flavours, aromas and craft of 100% Pot Still distilled rum making. Also included in the tour is sampling of sugarcane and its many byproducts including molasses. There is also a virtual tour of the sugarcane fields and factory, followed by a walking tour of the distillery, ageing warehouse and bottling facility. The tour ends with rum tasting; featuring five of the award-winning Rum-Bar and Worthy Park Single Estate premium rums.
Tours are held on Tuesdays to Saturdays, either at 10am or 2pm by appointment only. The tour lasts for approximately ninety (90) minutes. At present, there isn’t a restaurant on property. The current cost of the tour for locals with a valid Jamaican ID is JMD$2,700.00 for adults and children JMD$1,350.00 and Non-Residents USD$25.00 and children USD$13.00.
The Hampden Estate Rum Tour
With its history dating back to 1753, learn about the over 260 year old rum making process that still exists today at The Hampden Estate. This rum tour is located in Falmouth, Trelawny, approximately 25 minutes from the Falmouth Cruise Ship Pier. As with the other tours, the journey begins with a cold refreshing rum punch. Thereafter comes an interesting history lesson about Jamaica and the history of the Estate, one that even the avid history lover would enjoy and even learn something new. You’ll then explore the grounds of the Hampden Great House, while experiencing the historical working distillery as part of your tour. Last but not least the tour ends with tasting of the Estate’s multi award winning rums. Interesting fact: Hampden Estate’s first official bottlings were launched commercially in 2018.
Tours are held on Mondays to Fridays, at 10am, 11am &12pm by reservation only. The tour lasts for approximately 2 hours. A lunch option is available when making reservations. The current cost of admission for residents with a valid ID is JMD$4000 per person (inclusive of lunch and taxes) and JMD$3000 per person without lunch. For non-residents it’s USD$50 per person (inclusive of lunch and taxes) and USD$38.50 per person without lunch.
There you have it, the 3 rum tours currently available in Jamaica; Appleton Estate, Hampden Estate and Worthy Park Estate. We recommend partaking in all three for the trifecta of rum experiences.
Till next time,
Walk good.
