The first known documentation of rum production at the Appleton Estate dates back to 1749, however the origins of the Estate date back as far as 1655 when the British captured Jamaica from the Spaniards.
During the English empire, when rum was transported back in barrels, it was discovered that the time spent in the barrel combined with the gentle rocking of the ship allowed for a smoother, tastier rum.
During the Second World War, whisky was in short supply and experiments were carried out at the Appleton Estate to produce a type of rum that would serve as a substitute. Different rums from assorted barrels of varying age and type were blended together and the result was "Appleton Estate Special Rum." Appleton Rum was much smoother, lighter and more fragrant than other available rums and proved to be extremely popular.
Appleton Rum became known as Bend Down or Ben Down. Back then it was illegal to sell rum of a certain proof in ordinary bars and shops and Appleton Rum was only sold in private clubs. But Appleton was so preferred by patrons they sold it anyway. It was not displayed, but kept under the counter. As it was not wise to ask loudly for Appleton Rum in the bar, the customer would whisper that he wanted a drink of Bend Down
The first known documentation of rum production at the Appleton Estate dates back to 1749, however the origins of the Estate date back as far as 1655 when the British captured Jamaica from the Spaniards.
Frances Dickinson, whose grandsons are the earliest known owners of the Estate, took part in that conquest, and it is believed that the Appleton Estate was part of the land grant that Dickinson received as a reward for his services.
In 1845 the Appleton Estate passed out of the hands of the Dickinson family when it was acquired by William Hill.
At the turn of the century, the Estate again changed hands when it was purchased by one of Jamaica`s most successful merchants, A. McDowell Nathan.
Nathan died in the great earthquake of 1907 and his estate, including Appleton , was eventually acquired by J. Wray and Nephew Ltd., a company with a rich tradition of producing fine rums and spirits.
Nestled in Jamaica`s Nassau Valley in the centre of the island, the Appleton Estate covers over 11,000 acres of land. The magnificent rums that are produced on the Estate are of a unique style produced only in Jamaica and only at Appleton. These rums are a legacy of days past when our ancestors developed.
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