For our second year, in partnership with Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum, we’re thrilled to present an extraordinary opportunity to elevate your craft and deepen your connection to Jamaican culture, cuisine, and rum craftsmanship.
The theme for 2026's virtual series is The Joy of Jamaica! These classes will have some information we covered last year, but largely this is all new material. So whether you participated last year, or this is your first time with us, everyone will come away with something new.
This program honors the legendary Dr. Joy Spence, the first and longest-tenured female master blender. Join us as we celebrate her legacy and gain invaluable insights into the art of rum.
What’s in it for you?
- Participate in a five-course virtual series led by the brightest minds in the rum world, including a capstone session with Dr. Joy Spence herself.
- February 23rd- Jamaican Traditions and Hospitality with Tobi King
- March 2nd - Rum Cocktails, speaker pending
- March 9th - Island Flavors and Drinks with Two Sisters (Suzanne and Michelle Rousseau)
- March 16th - Island Rum with Ian Burrell
- March 23rd - Appleton Estate Jamaican Rum; the Brand, and Blending with Dr. Joy Spence
- Showcase your skills and knowledge in a test following the virtual series for a chance to be selected as the second class of Dr. Joy Spence Bartender Fellows.
- Be among the 20 top-scoring students to earn an all-expenses-paid immersion experience at the Appleton Estate Distillery in Jamaica.
- *If you were selected for this trip last year, you will not be eligible to go on the trip a second time. However, the new virtual education course is still open for participation.
- Score some awesome swag for participating!
The Fellowship Experience:
Immerse yourself in the world of Jamaican rum. Learn from award-winning industry-leading experts the history of Rum, Jamaican flavors, rum mixology techniques, and leading rum bar programs. You may even get the chance to spend unprecedented time with the Appleton Estate team and dive deep into Appleton Estate’s rich history, all while learning directly from Dr. Joy Spence.
Ready to level up your rum game?
Apply now by Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, for your chance to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime program.Let’s craft with Joy and raise the bar to something extraordinary.
Completing the application does not guarantee acceptance. For your application to be considered, you must meet the eligibility requirements below:
- At Least 21 years of age
- USA Resident
- Have a valid US Passport
- Currently employed as a bartender, bar manager, barback or bar owner
- Must participate in 5 one-hour virtual education seminars held between February 23rd- March 23rd, 2026 (dates outlined above, classes held 11am PT/2pm ET, live participation is encouraged, but classes will be recorded and emailed to accepted applicants who are unable to attend live)
- Must complete multiple choice/short essay test administered between March 24-30 2026
- If selected for phase two, must be available to travel to Jamaica May 12th-16th 2026 (exact travel dates subject to change)
*If you were selected for this trip last year, you will not be eligible to go on the trip a second time. However, the new virtual education course is still open for participation.
2026 Dr. Joy Spence Fellowship Program
For our second year, in partnership with Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum, we’re thrilled to present an extraordinary opportunity to elevate your craft and deepen your connection to Jamaican culture, cuisine, and rum craftsmanship.
The theme for 2026's virtual series is The Joy of Jamaica! These classes will have some information we covered last year, but largely this is all new material. So whether you participated last year, or this is your first time with us, everyone will come away with something new.
This program honors the legendary Dr. Joy Spence, the first and longest-tenured female master blender. Join us as we celebrate her legacy and gain invaluable insights into the art of rum.
What’s in it for you?
- Participate in a five-course virtual series led by the brightest minds in the rum world, including a capstone session with Dr. Joy Spence herself.
- February 23rd- Jamaican Traditions and Hospitality with Tobi King
- March 2nd - Rum Cocktails, speaker pending
- March 9th - Island Flavors and Drinks with Two Sisters (Suzanne and Michelle Rousseau)
- March 16th - Island Rum with Ian Burrell
- March 23rd - Appleton Estate Jamaican Rum; the Brand, and Blending with Dr. Joy Spence
- Showcase your skills and knowledge in a test following the virtual series for a chance to be selected as the second class of Dr. Joy Spence Bartender Fellows.
- Be among the 20 top-scoring students to earn an all-expenses-paid immersion experience at the Appleton Estate Distillery in Jamaica.
- *If you were selected for this trip last year, you will not be eligible to go on the trip a second time. However, the new virtual education course is still open for participation.
- Score some awesome swag for participating!
The Fellowship Experience:
Immerse yourself in the world of Jamaican rum. Learn from award-winning industry-leading experts the history of Rum, Jamaican flavors, rum mixology techniques, and leading rum bar programs. You may even get the chance to spend unprecedented time with the Appleton Estate team and dive deep into Appleton Estate’s rich history, all while learning directly from Dr. Joy Spence.
Ready to level up your rum game?
Apply now by Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, for your chance to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime program.Let’s craft with Joy and raise the bar to something extraordinary.
Completing the application does not guarantee acceptance. For your application to be considered, you must meet the eligibility requirements below:
- At Least 21 years of age
- USA Resident
- Have a valid US Passport
- Currently employed as a bartender, bar manager, barback or bar owner
- Must participate in 5 one-hour virtual education seminars held between February 23rd- March 23rd, 2026 (dates outlined above, classes held 11am PT/2pm ET, live participation is encouraged, but classes will be recorded and emailed to accepted applicants who are unable to attend live)
- Must complete multiple choice/short essay test administered between March 24-30 2026
- If selected for phase two, must be available to travel to Jamaica May 12th-16th 2026 (exact travel dates subject to change)
*If you were selected for this trip last year, you will not be eligible to go on the trip a second time. However, the new virtual education course is still open for participation.