Mount Gay Black Barrel Release

We are pleased to announce that a new premium rum has joined our ever growing stable of delectable liquids. Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum is the latest expression from the oldest working rum distillery in the world; when I say latest it's been around for quite some time, 2013 to be exact. It was originally released in the US and parts of Europe and wasn't available in the UK until 2014. I don't know why it too us so long to pick up this fantastic rum (shame on us!) but it's here now and was definitely worth waiting for. The rum was released in celebration of the brand’s 311-year history, reinforcing Mount Gay’s craft, refinement, and unparalleled excellence since 1703; that's a long time to have been making rum and they have certainly perfected the art in that time. For more than three centuries, Mount Gay has perpetuated a long-standing Barbadian tradition for producing the world’s oldest refined rum. Only the finest sugar cane molasses and pure water filtered through the coral heart of the island are selected to create Mount Gay rums. Mount Gay Black Barrel boasts double pot distillation and a second maturation in bourbon oak barrels, which are combined with the harmonious blending orchestrated by the Master Blender to create outstanding rums. All Mount Gay rums are made from a blend of single column and double copper pot distillates and are matured in toasted oak barrels. Black Barrel has a higher proportion of double distillates and, after hand selection by Master Blender Allen Smith, Black Barrel is the only marque finished in charred bourbon oak barrels. The result is a bold tasting rum with notes of pepper, spice and wood that provide remarkable body and fullness. On the nose, Black Barrel is a blend of fruit, oaky vanilla, and sweet caramel. According to Smith, Black Barrel is “Ready when it’s ready, not before” Smith, who oversees the brand’s maturation facility in Barbados’ parish of St. Lucy, joined Mount Gay distilleries in 1991, and was instrumental in the development of the award-winning Extra Old blend. Smith continues; “Rum blending is an art passed down for generations, and I am honoured to continue the brand’s focus on innovation and refinement with the introduction of Black Barrel. We are thrilled to give our consumers an exceptional, high-quality spirit to appreciate for years to come” That's fine words from a no doubt fine man, but the proof is in the pudding as they say so let's get to tasting shall we?

Mount Gay Black Barrel Barbados Rum

The Black Barrel looks great, a dark coppery gold that is rich and inviting; you can imagine a liquid like this coming from a nicely charred barrel. The nose is pretty lively but thankfully not overly astringent. Citrus overpowers the senses initially with lemon, lime and orange. Just below these zesty comes the sweetness of vanilla, candied almonds and burnt cream. As I take my first sip I instantly get that typical Mount Gay style; medium spice and sweetness with citrus and vanilla. The big difference, which is very noticeable, is the smokiness which is particularly pronounced on the spicy finish. I get pepper and spices but also caramel and molasses. Further examination allows the detection of fruit, possibly pineapple along with ripened plums. This is most certainly a good rum and superb value at the thirty quid price point. This may be a little too much for some who enjoying sipping their rum neat due to the smoky spiciness but others will love it. This would definitely be a good choice for those who enjoy mixing their rum with cola or adding an extra kick to rum cocktails that require that little bit more attitude.