Wray and Nephews
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Wray and Nephews is a brand of rum originating in Jamaica.
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[edit] History
The history of Wray and Nephews began in 1825 when company founder John Wray opened 'The Shakespeare Tavern' in Kingston, Jamaica. It seems Wray picked his site with great foresight; the continual growth of Kingston that eventually saw it become Jamaica's capital in 1877 also saw his tavern become highly successful.
It was in 1860 that the nephew of Wray and Nephews entered the equation: 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 his heritage - a tavern and liquor-dealing concern, into one of Jamaica's largest commercial enterprises, and a company that enjoyed international success . 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, the Lindo Brothers & Co purchased Wray & Nephew. Almost immediately thereafter, the new company, J. Wray & Nephew Ltd., purchased the Appleton Estate - the oldest and most famous of all Jamaica's sugarcane estates. Today, J. Wray & Nephew Ltd. produces rums that are unique and distinctly Jamaican. Bottlings include Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum (the flagship brand, an incredible 63% ABV), Coruba Jamaica Rum, Appleton Special Jamaica Rum and the prestigious portfolio of Appleton Estate Jamaica Rums: V/X, Extra and 21 Year Old. Appleton Estate Rums are still produced on the Estate, which encompasses over 11,000 acres (45 km²) of sugarcane as well as a sugarcane refinery and the Distillery. [2].
[edit] Trivia
- It is said that 90% of rum sales in Jamaica are of this famous brand, used in Jamaican rum punches, Mai Tais and daiquiris.[3]
- In 1997 Joy Spence was made the master blender at J. Wray and Nephew - the first ever woman to occupy this position in the industry. [4]
- At 63% it is comfortably the highest ABV on the drinks menu of the popular Wetherspoons chain of British pubs - as such as it has developed something of a cult status among hard-up students.
- Members of the Rasta community put marijuana in it and allow it to ferment for several years. It is believed by many that Rastas can handle this drink because they have been "drinking it their whole lives".
[edit] External links
- J Wray & Nephew (UK) Ltd [1]
