Wray & Nephew White Overproof 750ml Jamaican rum is famous in most rum bars across the globe and is produced by J Wray & Nephew at the historic Appleton Estate in Jamaica.
The history of J. Wray and Nephew began in 1825 when company founder John Wray opened ‘The Shakespeare Tavern’ in Kingston, Jamaica. Kingston grew steadily and eventually became Jamaica’s capital in 1877, and The Shakespeare Tavern became highly successful.
In 1860 Wray brought in Charles James Ward, the son of his brother, to run the business side of the company. Ward was a dynamic and gifted entrepreneur, and under his leadership J. Wray and Nephew began a period of growth and prosperity. Wray retired in 1862 and died in 1870 leaving Ward as the sole proprietor of the business.[1]
Ward developed the tavern and liquor-dealing concern into one of Jamaica’s largest exporting commercial enterprises. At the International Exhibition held in London in 1862, J. Wray and Nephew won three gold medals for its 10-, 15- and 25-year-old rums. The Company’s rums also won several awards and prizes at international exhibitions in Paris – 1878, Amsterdam – 1883, New Orleans – 1885 and Jamaica 1891.
In 1916, Lindo Brothers & Co purchased Wray & Nephew. Almost immediately thereafter, the new company, J. Wray & Nephew Ltd., purchased the Appleton Estate, a plantation which had produced rum throughout the period of chattel slavery. The Appleton Estate distillery was established in 1749.
At the end of 2012, Italian spirits company Gruppo Campari purchased Wray & Nephew.
In 1997, Joy Spence was made the master blender at J. Wray and Nephew (Appleton Estate) – the first woman ever to occupy this position in the industry.
Wray & Nephew White Overproof 750ml is a must for any rum enthusiast!