Mt gay

The distillery uses a combination of traditional double column, Spanish and Scottish double retort copper pot, and recently re-commissioned Irish Coffey stills. Old Brigand is another locally popular brand, but it’s not nearly as exported.

It was a Sober family affair for centuries.

Back in 1747, John Sober purchased the plantation and distillery that would come to be known as Mount Gay.

That name came from Sober’s friend, Sir John Gay Alleyne, who would eventually manage the rum business. It remains a cornerstone of the Mount Gay portfolio.

In addition to Eclipse, Mount Gay expanded its offerings to include other expressions, such as Mount Gay XO (Extra Old), a premium aged rum launched in the early 2000s.

The team at Mount Gay strongly suspects production was going on even earlier, and has recently uncovered a deed from 1654 that might seal the case. Named after the total solar eclipse that occurred that year, Eclipse is a blended rum known for its smoothness and versatility. In the 1980s, Mount Gay underwent a modernization process, updating its facilities while preserving its time-honored methods.

The rum became a favorite among sailors and traders, who carried it across the Atlantic and introduced it to new markets. Each unique distillate will become allow the Master Distiller to create layers of flavor. The shape of our Scottish McMillan pot stills delivers heavier flavored, more palate-clinging rums. Its legacy is deeply intertwined with the history of rum itself, and the brand has become synonymous with quality, tradition, and craftsmanship.

Mount Gay Rum: Origins and Early History

The story of Mount Gay begins with the arrival of sugarcane in Barbados in the 17th century.

Around 10 percent of the aging rum is lost to evaporation annually. And there’s a whole lot of rum aging in Mount Gay’s four warehouses. First, the sugar cane plant, which is at the heart of all rum production, is harvested, crushed, and boiled, causing crystallization. In 1703, the Mount Gay distillery was officially established, though rum production on the site likely began earlier.

The distillery was named after Sir John Gay Alleyne, a prominent Barbadian statesman and manager of the plantation where the distillery was located.

A spot called Mount Alleyne existed on the island at the time, so they settled on his middle name. This balance of tradition and innovation allowed the brand to stay relevant in a changing industry.

Mount Gay Rum: Global Recognition and Expansion

Mount Gay’s reputation as a premium rum grew throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.

The brand also introduced limited-edition releases and special blends, further cementing its position as a leader in the premium rum category.

Mount Gay Rum: Modern Era and Sustainability

In recent years, Mount Gay has continued to innovate while staying true to its roots. You can’t buy one — at least not directly from Mount Gay.

The only way to get one is to race in one of the scores of regattas that the brand sponsors every year.

The new distiller is a glass-ceiling-breaking powerhouse.

Mount Gay’s current master distiller, Trudiann Branker, is the first woman to run things in the distillery’s history.

The first special expression she’s been working on will debut in fall 2019.

There are four main expressions.

Clean and clear Mount Gay Silver is the brand’s entry-level rum, but grab it while you can, because it’s being removed from the American market. The brand is rigorous on the quality control for their molasses.