Appleton Rum Estate Masterclass - 7PM

Join us for a Masterclass with David Morrison, Appleton Estate’s Deputy Master Blender. He will be sharing the craft behind Appleton Estate Brand and the stories of the iconic Heart Collection limited release together with Appleton Estate 8-Year-Old Double Cask. The experience includes a guided tasting, pairings and MORE.

Discover these featured products, along with delicious food pairing, included in your ticket.

1. APPLETON ESTATE - 8 YEAR OLD DOUBLE CASK
   Appleton Estate 8-Year-Old Double Cask is a premium full-bodied rum aged in oak barrels for a minimum of eight years in No. 1 American white oak bourbon casks and finished to perfection in single malt scotch whisky casks. Appearance: Brilliant, deep, honeyed bronze colour with a subtle green ring of aging. Bouquet & Flavour Profile: Delicate spiced fruit twisted with dried honeyed raisins, caramel and vanilla with an overtone of oak finishing with orange. Finish: Long and honeyed with hints of nuts and spice.
   
2. APPLETON ESTATE - 8 YO RESERVE
   Double Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2021. A 250th anniversary deserves at least 8 years of celebration. Crafted by Master Blender Joy Spence to commemorate the special occasion, this blend of pot and column still rums is aged a minimum of 8 years in the tropical climate of Jamaica. Spicy fruit aromas, hints of honey, vanilla, holiday spice and orange peel notes: a delight to your senses.
   
3. APPLETON ESTATE - 12YO RARE CASKS
   Double Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2021. The proof that craftsmanship and talent need another ingredient to achieve excellence: Joy. 12 Year Old Rare Casks is a true expression of Master Blender Joy Spence's passion. A blend of rare hand-selected pot and column still rums crafted with limestone-filtered water, all aged for a minimum of 12 years in the tropical climate of Jamaica. Toasted oak, dried fruit, hazelnut, dark cocoa, molasses, orange peel, vanilla and hints of coffee: it takes hundreds of characters to describe these aromas, but only a strong one to gather them all.
   
4. APPLETON ESTATE - SIGNATURE BLEND
   Double Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2022. 96 Points, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2022: "Extraordinarily aromatic, with notes of overripe banana, green papaya, molasses, toasted almond, and fermented mango. The palate offers more decadent notes of milk chocolate and spiced figs, but not without a peppery kick and touch of funk that this distillery is known for. Outstanding."

Meet your speaker David Morrison - Deputy Master Blender of Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum

David Morrison is deputy master blender at Appleton Estate, and one of the custodians of the rich heritage of one of Jamaica's most iconic and historic rum distilleries. With a passion for crafting exceptional rums and a deeply rooted commitment to preserving Jamaica's proud rum-making tradition, Morrison has become a prominent name in the global spirits industry.

Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, David Morrison developed a strong connection to his country's cultural and culinary traditions. At an early age, he watched his parents and grandparents showcase their love for food and all things Jamaican. He also displayed a strong sense of curiosity, particularly for the sciences, at a young age. His passion for science led him to study Chemistry at the University of the West Indies.

David's journey in the world of rum began when he joined Appleton Estate as a senior analyst in July 1999, where he had the privilege of learning from some of the industry's best-known legends, like Appleton Estate’s master blender Dr. Joy Spence.

Over the past 25 years, David Morrison honed his craft, gaining invaluable experience in every aspect of the rum-making process. He immersed himself in the art of selecting the finest sugarcane, mastering fermentation techniques, and perfecting the aging process in oak barrels. This extensive knowledge and hands-on experience enabled him to develop a deep appreciation for the intricate nuances of rum production. His dedication, natural talent and unwavering commitment to quality soon set him apart, and he quickly rose through the ranks.

After being named Senior Blender in 2003, David assumed the responsibility of curating and blending the distillery's premium rums, each one a testament to the centuries-old Jamaican rum-making tradition. Working closely with Dr. Joy Spence on blends such as Appleton Estate Decades and Appleton Estate 15YO Black River Casks have brought some of his proudest moments to date. But David's crowning achievement came in 2024 when he was appointed Deputy Master Blender for Appleton Estate. Under the stewardship of David and Dr. Joy Spence, Appleton Estate's rums have garnered numerous awards and accolades, solidifying their status as some of the world's finest spirits.

David Morrison's dedication extends beyond blending; he also takes pride in fostering sustainable and ethical practices within the industry, working with WIRSPA to ensure that proper standards are defined and maintained. He champions the investment in the next generation by giving back to institutions such as his alma mater St. George’s College.

While not a mixologist, he enjoys experimenting in his personal bar and has developed syrups and cocktails that keep his friends and guests coming back for more. David’s love for all things Jamaica of course means one his passions is music, and when he is not blending rum, he can often be found entertaining as a DJ, creating mixes of Dancehall, Reggae, R&B and Hip-Hop to keep the dancefloor moving. He lives by the mantra “If you’re having fun, that’s when the best memories are built”, and this drives his infectious smile, love for family, and the passion he puts into everything he does.

The LDB is collecting your name and email address for the purposes of completing your event registration, in accordance with section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. If you have any questions about the collection of this personal information, please contact Senior Manager, Marketing & Advertising, Retail Services, BC Liquor Distribution Branch, 3383 Gilmore Way, Burnaby BC V5G 4S1 Telephone: 604 252-7400 Email: [email protected]

Host or Publisher BCLIQUOR