Joy Spence

Joy Spence (born 1951) is a Jamaican chemist and master blender at Appleton Estate. She was the first female master blender in the spirits industry.

Early life and education

Spence was born in Manchester, Jamaica in 1951 and was raised in Kingston by her adoptive parents. Her passion for chemistry began at age 13. Spence attended the University of the West Indies, graduating with First Class Honors in 1972. She then became a teacher and performed lectures on chemistry. She earned her master's degree in analytical chemistry at Loughborough University in England.

Career

Spence started as a research and development chemist at Tia Maria, but stated that she quickly grew bored with just the single product they produced. - Officer (OD) in 2005 2017: Grand Dame Award by Tales of the Cocktail 2018: The Prime Minister's Medal for Science and Technology (now known as the National Medal for Science and Technology) 2022: Musgrave Gold Medal 2022: Lifetime Achievement Award by The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. '2026: Forbes 50 Over 50 Global list

Appleton Estate

Tours of the Appleton Estate distillery are named The Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience. In 2017, Appleton Estate released the Joy Anniversary Blend of rum to commemorate her 20 years as their master blender. Her 40th year at Appleton Estate was marked by the release of the Ruby Anniversary Edition in 2022.

Personal life

Spence is married and has two children.