Barbados - Mount Gay XO Reserve 43%
Mount Gay XO Reserve is a blend of rums aged 8-15 years distilled in a traditional column still and double retort pot still. The sugar cane used in this rum is fully sourced in Barbados and the Caribbean. A proprietary strain of heirloom yeast is used in closed fermentation for the column-distilled rum. For the pot-distilled rum, open-air fermentation is initially used. This process exposes the molasses and water to the Bajan atmosphere, allowing breezes to carry native yeasts into the mix. The rums were aged in three different cask types: ex-American Whiskey, Bourbon, and Cognac.
About Mount Gay
A legal deed dated from February 20, 1703 confirms the existence of a “pot still house” on Mount Gay’s sugar cane Estate in Barbados, which establishes Mount Gay as the world’s oldest rum producer. The name Mount Gay honours the pioneering Sir John Gay who perfected the distinctive Mount Gay style.
Tasting notes
The Author: Cigar, caramel, wood, smoke, bourbon, molasses
Rum partner: Sweet, molasses, rock candy, good aftertaste
Rum rating
| The Author | Rum partner | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smell | 3 stars | 3 stars | 3 stars |
| Taste | 3 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars |
| Overall | 3 stars | 4 stars | 3.5 stars |
Additional rum resources
- Day 1 on 24 Days of Rum
- Mount Gay Rum - official website
About Barbados
Barbados is an eastern Caribbean island and an independent British Commonwealth nation. Bridgetown, the capital, is a cruise-ship port with colonial buildings and Nidhe Israel, a synagogue founded in 1654. Around the island are beaches, botanical gardens, the Harrison’s Cave formation, and 17th-century plantation houses like St. Nicholas Abbey. Local traditions include afternoon tea and cricket, the national sport.
Should we visit Barbados?
Pros
- Scuba diving
- Historic downtown district (UNESCO World Heritage Centre)
- Food tours
Cons
- Lots of American tourists
Fun fact about Barbados
Some of the many other names for rum are Nelson’s blood, kill-devil, demon water, pirate’s drink, navy neaters, and Barbados water.
Also, Rhianna is from Barbados 😉
Traveling rating
| The Author | Travel partner | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Want to visit | 4 stars | 4.5 stars | 4.25 stars |