ST. LUCY, Barbados – Mount Gay, the world’s oldest continuously operating rum distillery with origins dating back to 1703 in Barbados, the birthplace of rum, marked a significant evolution in its storied legacy with a brand refresh in 2020. Drawing on over three centuries of expertise in traditional pot and column distillation, unique coral-filtered water, and premium molasses, Mount Gay enhanced transparency across its portfolio while honoring authentic Bajan rum traditions and paving the way for ongoing innovation under the guidance of Master Blender Trudiann Branker.
Appointed in 2019 as the first female Master Blender in both Mount Gay’s history and for Barbados, Trudiann Branker brought fresh perspective to the core expressions, refining blends to appeal to discerning enthusiasts while preserving the brand’s loyal following. For Mount Gay Black Barrel, she incorporated older rums aged three to seven years with a higher proportion of double-distilled pot still components, extending the signature finish in deeply charred bourbon casks to six months for bolder, more robust notes of spice, vanilla, and oak. Similarly, Mount Gay XO was enriched with a broader selection of rums aged five to 17 years in American whiskey, bourbon, and cognac casks, delivering heightened complexity with layers of tropical fruit, salted caramel, and elegant wood influences.
New bottling and updated labels across the core range—including Eclipse, Black Barrel, XO, and premium offerings like 1703 Master Select—provide greater insight into cask details, distillation styles, and tasting profiles, emphasizing Mount Gay’s commitment to education and discovery. This refreshed platform celebrates Barbados’ unrivaled terroir, the skilled artisans behind each blend, and the distillery’s enduring heritage. “I am proud to lead these advancements, blending inherited craftsmanship with forward-thinking innovation to showcase what makes Mount Gay truly exceptional,” said Trudiann Branker, Mount Gay Master Blender. Raphaël Grisoni, former Managing Director, added, “These thoughtful changes strengthen our position as a leader in premium rum, rooted in our people, land, and traditions.”
Since 2020, the updated Mount Gay Black Barrel and XO expressions have been available worldwide, continuing to captivate rum lovers with their refined profiles and versatility for sipping or mixing.
About Mount Gay:
Mount Gay Distillery, nestled in the northern parish of St. Lucy, Barbados, proudly holds the title of the world’s oldest continuously operating commercial rum producer, with documented origins dating back to a 1703 deed. Born on the island widely regarded as the birthplace of rum, the distillery’s legacy began on the Mount Gay Estate, where coral-filtered water from an ancient artesian well, premium molasses, and indigenous yeast combine to create its signature Bajan style. Renamed in honor of visionary manager Sir John Gay Alleyne in 1801 for his transformative contributions to quality and craftsmanship, Mount Gay has evolved over three centuries while preserving traditional pot and column distillation methods, now under the stewardship of Master Blender Trudiann Branker and owned by Rémy Cointreau.
The acclaimed Mount Gay portfolio showcases the depth and versatility of Barbadian rum, featuring timeless expressions like the smooth, floral Eclipse—ideal for classic cocktails—the bold and spiced Black Barrel with its charred bourbon cask finish, the refined XO blending rums up to 17 years old for notes of vanilla, fruit, and oak, and the prestigious 1703 Master Select crafted from rare reserves. Innovative limited editions, including the Master Blender Collection with unique cask finishes such as PX Sherry, Andean Oak, and Port, alongside the terroir-driven Single Estate Series, continue to push boundaries, delivering complex flavors of tropical fruit, spice, and elegance that make Mount Gay a beloved choice for sipping neat, mixing, or celebrating the spirit of Barbados worldwide.
Address: Mount Gay, St. Lucy, Barbados
Website: www.mountgayrum.com
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