oy Spence stands as one in every of Jamaica’s most outstanding figures in science and business. Over the course of a distinguished career at Appleton Estate, she has helped form the worldwide id and status of Jamaican rum by means of a uncommon mix of scientific information, instinct and craftsmanship. Her work has positioned her among the many most revered figures in her area and positioned Jamaica on the centre of conversations about high quality rum manufacturing worldwide. By way of many years of regular management and excellence in a historically male-dominated business, Spence has constructed a profession outlined by quiet trailblazing and enduring affect.
Pleasure Spence was born on February 17, 1951 in Manchester, Jamaica, and spent a part of her youth in Kingston. From a younger age she developed a powerful curiosity in chemistry, a topic that may finally outline her profession. She pursued her research on the College of the West Indies, graduating in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science diploma in Chemistry with top quality honours. She later earned a Grasp’s diploma in Analytical Chemistry from Loughborough College in England.
Earlier than coming into the spirits business, Spence briefly labored in educating. Her grounding in science, mixed with self-discipline and a spotlight to element would later show invaluable in a area the place precision and sensory talent are equally necessary.
Analysis Chemist Flip Grasp Blender
Spence started her skilled journey within the personal sector working as a analysis chemist, gaining expertise in high quality management and product growth. In 1981, she joined J. Wray & Nephew Ltd. as Chief Chemist, marking the beginning of what would grow to be a lifelong affiliation with Appleton Estate, one in every of Jamaica’s most historic rum producers.
Throughout her early years on the firm, she labored carefully with then Grasp Blender Owen Tulloch, who recognised her distinctive skill to guage aromas and flavours. Over time, she developed the sensory experience required to grasp the advanced strategy of rum mixing, which includes deciding on and mixing aged rums to create balanced, constant and distinctive last merchandise.
After greater than a decade of coaching and expertise, Spence was appointed Grasp Blender in 1997, turning into the primary lady on this planet to carry such a place within the spirits business. Her first main task was to create a commemorative mix for Appleton Property’s 250th anniversary, a milestone that helped cement her status.
Along with her function as Grasp Blender, she has served as a senior technical chief throughout the firm, contributing to high quality assurance, analysis and model growth. As a worldwide ambassador for Appleton Property, she has travelled extensively, representing Jamaican rum and sharing her experience with audiences world wide. Her work has additionally performed a job in strengthening the popularity and safety of Jamaican rum as a definite and genuine product internationally.
Forbes 50 Over 50
Over the course of her profession, Pleasure Spence has obtained quite a few honours in recognition of her contributions to science, business and nationwide growth. She was awarded the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) by the Authorities of Jamaica for her service to the nation.
In 2018, she turned the primary Jamaican lady to obtain the National Medal for Science, Technology and Innovation, acknowledging her influence as a number one Jamaican scientist. She has additionally been awarded the Musgrave Gold Medal by the Institute of Jamaica and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Distilled Spirits Council of the USA.
Her affect continues to be recognised globally. In 2026, she was named to the Forbes 50 Over 50 Global list, which celebrates girls making important contributions throughout industries later in life the place she was described as a “legend within the rum business”. The honour her amongst a global group of innovators, leaders and trailblazers.
The Guardian of Jamaica’s Oldest Mixing traditions
Pleasure Spence’s legacy reaches far past her title. For greater than 4 many years, she has helped outline the character and high quality of Appleton Property’s rums, contributing to the model’s worldwide status and to Jamaica’s standing within the international spirits business. Her work has been central to preserving conventional mixing strategies whereas guiding the model into fashionable markets.
Equally necessary is the trail she has created for others. As the primary lady to grow to be a Grasp Blender, she broke a barrier in an business lengthy dominated by males, demonstrating that experience, endurance and keenness can reshape expectations. Her story continues to encourage younger Jamaicans, significantly girls pursuing careers in science and technical fields.
By way of her dedication to excellence, her quiet management and her function in showcasing Jamaican craftsmanship to the world, Pleasure Spence has secured her place as a pioneer whose affect will likely be felt for generations.
