William 'Billy' McConnell (left) pours one of the samples of Appleton Estate blending rums into a bottle under the direction of former Prime Minister P. J. Patterson (centre). Chief blender David Morrison looks on. - Contributed photo

Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum's master blender, Joy Spence, created a special rum blend from the Appleton Estate for P.J. Patterson on the occasion of his retirement from active politics, and the former Prime Minister invited friends to sample his 'Private Estate Rum' on Friday, January 26.

Before the unveiling of his blend, Mr. Patterson tried his hand at blending his own rum under the guidance of Hon. William 'Billy' McConnell, Wray & Nephew's group managing director, and chief blender David Morrison. The blend got the thumbs up from McConnell and Morrison as well as friends who sampled his creation.

Following the rum blending, Mr. Patterson's 'Private Estate Rum' was uncorked. Joy Spence, the first female master blender in the spirits industry, created 14 bottles of this special blend in celebration of the 14 years that Mr. Patterson served as Prime Minister of Jamaica.

Attendees sampled the 'Private Estate Rum' and were also taken through the steps of appreciating premium aged rum by David Morrison.