 |
much more than a tour Geschrieben von David Ellis erschienen auf JamaicaObserver Bei meiner Reise durchs Web bin ich mal wieder beim (hoffentlich) allseits bekanntem Observer gelandet und musste schmunzeln, als mir diese Strory über die Appleton Estate Tour in die Augen stach. Jeder (Anti-Alks aussen vor) sollte diesen leckeren Rum kennen – und gerade in Jamaika hat er einen besonderen Geschmack. Quelle David Ellis – Jamaica Observer ; AppletonRum.com |
Wrtten by David Elis
WAY OUT WEST
On numerous occasions, I have accompanied local and overseas nationals on the Appleton Estate Tour in St Elizabeth, and on each visit I have left with a positive view of that tour experience, both for its layout and aesthetics and the quality of the information and conduct of the tour guides. Having to abide the quasi-American accent that many of our "don't-even- have- a-visa" tour guides utilise at some other places, it is always refreshing to be in the presence of someone speaking clear English with a properly modulated Jamaican accent.
Getting to Appleton Estate in the Nassau Valley takes you a bit off the main thoroughfare as you make a departure off the Lacovia main road near the landmark two white tombs, which are, by themselves, a source of strange tales. An oft-repeated tale is that one of the persons buried is a prim and proper lady, who died in a misguided effort to be mannerly by withholding flatulence for too long. The scenic journey takes you past the sleepy town of Maggotty and into the sprawling 11,400-acre estate, the oldest sugar estate and distillery in Jamaica.
While you wait for your tour to begin, there is a multimedia information pack available about Appleton, and cocktails may be purchased at the bar. The guided tour provides a comprehensive overview of the distillery process and historical account of the Estate. Appleton estate dates back to 1655 when the Spaniards lost possession of the island to the English. Two of the earliest known owners were the grandsons of Frances Dickinson, who took part in the conquest of Jamaica, and as reward, it is believed, Appleton estate was part of the land grant received for services rendered. Recorded documentation of rum production dates to 1749.
Highlights of the tour include a demonstration of the traditional squeezing of sugar cane with the assistance of a donkey and the sampling opportunities of freshly squeezed 100% natural sugarcane juice, as well as wet sugar (molasses). The harmlessly intoxicating rum aroma pervades the air in the ageing house as one gets information about the usage of imported charred American oak wood barrels for the storage of rum. Charring on the inside of the barrel is necessary to extract sugar and flavonoid and produces toasted almond notes in the rum. The grand finale of the walking tour is the eye-popping sampling of the wide range of Appleton estate rums. It is at this point that one also becomes aware of the number of brands owned and produced under its licence. There is also a gift shop with an abundance of Appleton Estate Rums and souvenirs. For persons travelling long distance, the tour package can include a Jamaican lunch served amidst artistic displays and models of the factory layout along the walls.
Appleton Estate is a proud Jamaican flag bearer with international awards and medals to prove its exceptional world-class quality, and although I am not a 'rum head', the tour mirrors Appleton's world-class standard and the experience is well worth it. Rum is widely used, not just for drinking, but as a part of the culinary tradition. This latter reason makes the Appleton Estate tour as relevant to visitors to the island as to Jamaicans themselves
Quelle David Ellis – Jamaica Observer
