Joy Spence, master blender for J. Wray & Nephew Limited, was conferred with an honorary degree as Doctor of Science from Loughborough University in England.

She was cited for contribution to the distilled spirits industry and the advancement of women in the field, according to a statement from the company.

It's the latest honour in a line that included a national award, the Order of Distinction Officer Rank or OD in 2005.

Last year, Spence who is a 31-year veteran of Wray & Nephew whose award-winning rums are consumed in some 55 countries, was also the recipient of the Rum Experience Pioneer's Award for outstanding rum achievement at the Golden Rum Barrel Awards in 2011.

Spence joined Wray & Nephew in 1981 as chief chemist, three years after obtaining her master's degree in analytical chemistry from Loughborough in 1978.

Spence was named general manager, technical and quality services at Wray & Nephew in 1996.

"She still holds this position, along with the position of master blender, which she took up in 1997," the spirits company said.

Her creations include Appleton Estate Reserve Jamaica Rum, Appleton Estate Extra 12 Year Old, Appleton Estate Master Blenders' Legacy and most recently, the Appleton Estate 50 Year Old Jamaica Rum - Jamaica Indepen-dence Reserve Limited Edition Rum.

Wray & Nephew is Jamaica's company at 186 years old; its flagship brand, Appleton, has been around for even longer, 263 years.

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