To celebrate International Women’s Day 2022, AllBright has partnered with Appleton Estate to hear the inspirational story of Joy Spence, the world’s first female master blender in the spirits industry.

What does it take to make it as a woman working in a male-dominated industry? The year might be 2022, but some career paths are so well-trodden by men that it can sometimes feel like equal opportunities for women have been reversed by 50 years. One of the most effective ways to combat this is to have more visibility of women at the top, to inspire others to know that walking the path towards their dreams and goals can be achievable. And one of these women is Dr. Joy Spence, who became the world’s first female master blender in the spirits industry when Appleton Estate, a distillery in Jamaica that produces Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum, appointed her to the role in 1997.

Joy’s inspiring story of rising to the top in a typically male-dominated industry ties in particularly well with the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, #BreakTheBias. With a focus on forging a world without bias, stereotypes or discrimination, International Women’s Day 2022 is all about breaking down the numerous barriers that exist for women; a cause that is echoed by AllBright’s ethos of celebrating women at all ages and stages of their careers. 

As we all look forward to carving out a more equal world, AllBright partners with Appleton Estate to meet Joy. Read on to hear her inspirational story and her advice for other trailblazing women.

Can you tell us a bit about your career journey?

I fell in love with chemistry at the age of 13 and dreamed of becoming a scientist. After high school, I attended the University of the West Indies and graduated in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, with first class honours.

I then spent a few years teaching chemistry before moving to England to pursue a Master of Science degree in analytical chemistry at the University of Loughborough. I graduated with the highest ever score achieved by a student at Loughborough.

After graduating, I returned to Jamaica and to teaching. Then, in 1979, I left academia for the private sector and two years later joined Appleton Estate as chief chemist. As the chief chemist I worked closely with the master blender, Owen Tulloch, and this sparked a passion for the art of creating rum. 

Owen soon discovered that I had considerable organoleptic talent; the ability to detect, identify and differentiate between aromas. Over the next 16 years, under his expert guidance, I extended my knowledge of the science of the rum-making process to include the artistic side as well, honing my sensory skills and developing an unrivalled mastery of flavours and aromas. Then, in 1997, I made history when I smashed the spirit industry’s glass ceiling and was appointed as the world’s first female master blender.  

Creating rum provides me with the perfect balance of art and science. In rum-making, the two are so intricately intertwined that it is difficult to pinpoint where the science stops, and the art begins.

How did it feel to become the world's first female master blender? What did this huge success mean for you, both personally and professionally?

It felt wonderful; it still does. Over the last 40 years, I’ve been able to create some of the finest, most highly awarded rums and share them with the world, including Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve and Appleton Estate 12 Year Old Rare Casks. I created the Appleton Estate Joy Anniversary Blend, which was released in 2017, to mark my 20th anniversary as Appleton Estate’s master blender. This year, Appleton Estate will launch an extremely limited Appleton Estate Ruby Anniversary Edition, commemorating my four-decades long career spent in rum. I’m very proud of that.

I have also worked hard and dedicated my life’s work to not only Appleton Estate, but to the country of Jamaica and the global rum industry. In 2018, I was the first female to receive the Jamaica Prime Minister Medal for Science and Technology, continuing the trailblazing journey I began in my beloved Jamaica at the age of 13.

Lastly, my career is chronicled at the Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience at the Appleton Estate Distillery in St. Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica.

What does your master blender role involve, and what do you love about it?

I find rum to be the most intriguing and complex spirit. I enjoy working with the several rum marques and their many different sensory profiles and flavours. Rum also allows me to apply my chemistry in an exciting way. At this point, there is no other spirit I would like to make. Rum has become a part of my DNA.

What challenges did you face working in a male-dominated environment, and how did you tackle and overcome these?

As a female in the rum industry, I’ve had many challenges. I had to work harder to gain recognition and experienced chauvinism in certain areas. For some time, I was carrying the weight for other females, so I had to make sure I was successful. People thought that I was a family member to have achieved the position, or was married to the owner.

You must focus on the positives and not allow the negatives to get you down, especially as a woman. I know my craft and I am passionate about what I am doing, I choose to rise above it. 

Why is International Women's Day so important?

It’s vital that women are recognised for their achievements in their fields, and that they champion that. A designated day to honour women is especially crucial in the spirits business. Women are making a lot of major strides now in a field that has been historically male-dominated.

What advice do you have for other women who want to achieve their goals, particularly in other male-dominated industries?

The industry should promote that there are no gender barriers in the world of blending, and universities could do more to encourage more women into the field. I think many women don't imagine that they could work in this sort of area, but they can. 

I think my biggest accomplishment in the rum industry was being the first woman to be appointed master blender. The industry is male-dominated, and I was able to open the doors for other females; we're seeing it now, but I think we could be louder about how the doors are open for women in spirits. 

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