In 2018, Joy was the first female to receive the Jamaica Prime Minister Medal for Science and Technology, continuing the trailblazing journey she started in her beloved Jamaica at the age of 13. Joy Spence's career began with being appointed chief chemist for J. Wray & Nephew in 1981, and from 1997 became the Master Blender at Appleton Estate - making Joy the first female master blender in the spirits industry. Joy’s amazing career is chronicled at the recently opened Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience at the Appleton Estate Distillery in St. Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica.