Work is progressing on a US$7.2m (€6.8m, £6m) upgrade to Jamaica’s Appleton Estate Rum Tour, with Jack Rouse Associates (JRA) taking charge of completely redeveloping the historic brand’s visitor experience.

Scheduled for completion in October 2017, work will include the renovation of the existing sugar estate and distillery that has been handcrafting rums since 1749, with the addition of modern rum tasting rooms, an expansive retail store, and a new restaurant and lounge offering Appleton-infused traditional Jamaican cuisine.

In addition to renovation work, the estate will receive a 23,000sq ft (2,200sq m) expansion, as well as an expansive outdoor tour of the estate grounds, distillery and ageing house, highlighting the history and process of crafting a premium rum. There is also talk of possible future development of a boutique hotel.

“Appleton has the distinction of being Jamaica’s oldest sugar estate and rum distillery in continuous production,” said Clara Rice, director of communications for JRA, speaking to Attractions Management. “We’ll be building on that history while adding some new experiences as well.”

In addition to renovation work, Attractions Management understands that estate owners J. Wray & Nephew Ltd, are in talks with Jamaica’s government to revive a rail service for the tour, which could potentially triple visitor numbers.

The rail line, which hasn’t been operational since the 1990s, travels between the estate where the rum is distilled and the dock where cruise ship passengers dock. If the train was brought into operation it would cut in half the current three-hour bus ride, with visitors also able to start their rum experience on the train as they travel to their destination.