[1] Spence started as a research and development chemist at Tia Maria, then was hired by J. Wray and Nephew Ltd., a rum company.
In 1981, the rum distillery Appleton Estate, which was owned by Wray and Nephew, hired Spence as its chief chemist.
Her first creation as the master blender was a special rum to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Appleton Estate, which received high praise in the industry.
[4] At Appleton Estate, Spence serves as a brand ambassador, travelling about 40% of the time,[5] and is also the general manager for technical and quality service.[2].
[1][6] In 2017, Appleton Estate released the Joy Anniversary Blend of rum to commemorate her 20 years as their master blender.