appleton estate rum tour

Went here after the YS falls and the scenery is very pretty with good views of the mountains. The trip round the factory is quite short and then you get to try up to 13 rums - you fill your own glass (I managed 6!). Still I did sleep most of the way back which as the roads are terrible was a bonus. You can also buy rum at very good prices.

We attended the Appleton Estate rum tour as part of a tour through Western Jamaica that led us to several attractions. The rum tour was informative and the walk through the gardens of the estate gave us a chance to see how rum was made in the past and today. The building with the still pots was open for a visit, however the noise level and heat inside ensured that the visit was short. At the end of the tour, the group was given a chance to taste 8 different rums. That tasting could have been better organized with more explanation of the various rums offered. There is a decent shop on the premises with competitive prices. All in all, a worthwhile attraction if it can be built into an existing tour. The bad roads of Jamaica make it less attractive to visit the estate just for the rum tour.

We looked forward to this tour as the Appleton Estate is a part of Jamaican history. On arrival there were many tour groups there and we found we had to wait a while for a guide. We were given rum punch while waiting. When the guide showed up after about 20 minutes, we were taken out to see the grounds, which were lovely. A very brief description was given of the rum making process supplemented by tastings of the raw product, sugar cane, sugar cane juice (which my husband squeezed for the group), and molasses with raw sugar. This was very good. We then went to see the distillery where we spent 5 minutes and then were hurried through to the barrel storage with a very brief description. We were then back at the main entrance. The 'tasting' involved the guide setting out many different bottles of rum with tasting (tiny) cups. With a 5 minute description of all 12 rums, which one was better than which, we were just left to help ourselves. Everyone in the group was asking each other (blind leading the blind here), about the properties of each of the different rums. The guide was long gone onto the next group. There was a poster on the wall with the history of the distillery that I had to read myself to get anything of the history of the place and there was no information about the influence of the rum industry on the economy of Jamaica from the 1700's until the present.I have gone to plenty of wineries in different countries and have never had a less informative tour. I was expecting more. In the end, I did feel it was a giant sales pitch just to bring people into their shop...and yes, I did purchase but would have felt better about it had I received a better tour.Maybe I hit a bad or very busy day but given my experience, I would not say it is worth the considerable distance to travel to tour this site.

Loved the tour of Appleton Estates. Our guide, Peter, was very informative and keep us laughing while teaching us about the rich history of the estate and of Jamaica's past. We loved the trip from Montego Bay as much as Appleton. Michael of Michael Johnson Tours showed us the real Jamaica. If you love history or rum or both, Appleton Estate Rum Tour is a must. If you want an awesome tour guide at a very reasonable rate, call Michael . You can find his contact info at johnsontoursja.com. Remember, No problem mon!

it was interesting though it was a long bus ride on some very dangerous Jamaican roads. I expected the onsite rum purchases to be cheaper so I didn't purchase any.

Normally Appleton doesn't take groups as large as 45, but they made an exception for us! We were so thankful and pleased! As soon as we arrived, we were led to the bar where we were offered complimentary juice, soda, or rum punch....umm, rum punch, please! As soon as my cup was empty, I was offered a refill. By the time the tour began, I will admit, I was beginning to feel the effects of the rum. But after 5 min. of walking in the Jamaica heat, I sweated it all out--I suppose that's why they're not worried about folks getting too tipsy on the tour. Our guide was very friendly, he spoke loudly and clearly, and he explained the process of each step very methodically so that everyone understood. I now know how rum is made!The grounds were beautifully kept, and there was plenty of shade. I didn't put on any sunscreen beforehand, but thankfully I didn't have to. Afterwards, we got to sample about 7 or 8 different kinds of rum and then visit the gift shop.If you're looking to tour a factory and are interested in how things are made, visit Appleton Estates! You won't be disappointed!

My wife and I hoped to take this tour last year, but did not meet the minimum, so we were eager to sign up this time. The Estate is about an hour and fifteen from Sandals Whitehouse, we had an excellent driver and guide.Upon arriving, we were given a rum punch and introduced to our guide. Our first stop was to visit the original way sugar cane was pressed, by a press powered by a donkey. I think he ate more cane than he pressed. We then toured the distilling building where we learned the difference between pot stills and cylinder or column stills - the latter distills white rum that is not aged, the former produces what will be dark rum. We then visited the cask room, where the store a minimum of 250,000 barrels for aging. Our visit finished by enjoying a rum tasting, and an excellent jerk chicken lunch.On both ends of the tour, during the ride, our guide provided historic, political and details of the everyday life of the Jamaican people.Definitely recommend this tour - very informative and enjoyable.

This was one of the major reasons I wanted to go to Jamaica because Appleton's in one of my favorite rums. (that and El Dorado)The tour is pretty basic and I'm sure for most people they enjoy the rum tasting the most. I liked learning about the process and my favorite was actually the aging room. Crazy to think how much rum they produce.Overall a professional tour and the scenery is excellent. Would recommend.

Wonderful tour with knowledgeable and nice guides. I am not a rum drinker but was fascinated and enjoyed the tasting.

Had a great time here, learning about the history and current process for making rum. I would've enjoyed a couple a more in depth look at the process, but you can't argue with a tour that starts you off with several glasses of rum punch and finishes with sampling from 8 different bottles of rum.

The Appleton tour was interesting. The tour was educational, there was a bit of island history along with how rum is made.

Upon arrival at the Appleton Estate we were greeted with rum punch and then served a delicious local lunch (jerk chicken, rice and peas and a fresh cool salad). Next, a guide provided us with an educational tour of the distillery process from beginning to end and then we went inside to observe the distillery and then we ended the tour with of course sampling 8 types of rums. The price was definitely worth the money and experience. I highly recommend this excursion.

The Appleton Estates Tour is worth the money and time ! We enjoyed learning about the making of rum and the history of the estate ! You receive free samples of rum! The Appleton Rum is the best rum in the world! If you are staying in Montego Bay the trip is only 1 hour and 45 mins each way! Have fun and enjoy the tour!

We chose to hire a taxi for the day so we could be on our own time schedule and this made for a very relaxing and personal tour, and tasting. It was interesting to learn this history of Appleton and it was very nice to have an opportunity to taste (and purchase) a variety of rums.

Informative, educational, interactive - guide was great with a great sense of humor. If we were in the area we would do this tour again. Only place in the world you can buy Appleton Exclusive - and we did. Grounds are great as is the history of this old distillery. Some advice...determine how long the trip is from your hotel - distance is irrelevant as the roads are festive. Tasting is basically a open bar - great if you are on a bus tour.