Harnessing over 300 years of experience, Mount Gay Rum unveils a new chapter for the brand this Spring. As part of the Barbados-based brand’s relaunch, Mount Gay Rum is embracing transparency and has revisited its core blends while paying homage to its rich heritage and history.
As rum continues to gain popularity among dark spirit drinkers, it only makes sense that Mount Gay, the world’s oldest running rum distillery, continues to refine its premium portfolio with some fresh blends catered to a more discerning palate. The revamp was led by Master Blender Trudiann Branker, Mount Gay Rum’s – and Barbados’ – very first female master blender.
“It is an honor to be at the forefront of the exciting changes that Mount Gay has unveiled, and I’m proud not only to be the first female master blender in Barbados but to be part of the team that continues to honor Mount Gay through innovation,” says Branker.
The updated lineup includes a new blend for Mount Gay Black Barrel and an enhanced version of Mount Gay XO, both of which are now available.
As part of the overhaul, the brand is committed to a greater level of transparency, providing an in-depth look into the brand and its rum. The new Mount Gay Black Barrel will be made with an older selection of rums, ranging from three to seven years old, (compared to its previous composition of two to seven-year-old rums) and will also include a higher amount of double-distilled pot still rums. Black Barrel will still be finished in charred bourbon casks but the finishing period will be extended from four weeks to six months to better reflect Black Barrel’s “bold and robust” flavor.
For the updated Mount Gay XO, Branker has created a more complex blend by using a “broader palette” of rums aged for five to 17 years in American Whiskey and Bourbon casks while the previous XO was aged from eight to 15 years.
Keeping transparency in mind, each expression will now be offered in new bottles with updated labels that showcase further details about casks used as well as style and tasting notes.
“This is an important step-change for Mount Gay, one that will see us explore and showcase our roots whilst embracing what is truly important to us – our people, our land and our heritage,” says Raphäel Grisoni, Mount Gay Managing Director. “We are confident that the changes we make now will cement Mount Gay’s position as a leading high- end rum brand for many years to come. It is with great honor that I have worked alongside Trudiann and the entire team at the distillery to consider each change that we have made along the way is the right one.”
In addition to the revamped Mount Gay Black Barrel and XO (suggested retail: $44.99 and $64.99, respectively), Branker will continue to develop limited editions with a new release of 1703 Master Select and a new Master Blender collection due out before the end of 2020.
“I am wholeheartedly committed to embracing the expertise that we have inherited for over 300 years and am passionate about looking ahead as we combine both science and craft to explore what makes Mount Gay more than a rum,” explains Branker.
For more information, visit www.mountgayrum.com or follow along on Instagram at @MountGayRum. 21+, drink responsibly.
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