Mount Gay Extra Old is a 86 proof rum originating from Barbados, often considered the birthplace of rum (albeit with some others who would contest that), and proven as one of the oldest distilleries in the Americas, having started in 1703. It is a blend of copper-pot and column distilled rums aged for 8-12 years (according to Chester, others note 12-17 years) in former Bourbon barrels, and mixed to proof with coral filtered spring water. It is certainly the pride of the distillery, if you’ve ever met Chesterfield Brown, Mount Gay’s mixologist and brand ambassador, he will tell you all about it, for as long as you care to hear it. Here’s an example of Chester talking at Tales of the Cocktail from 2008…
I’ve had a few bottles of this in my private collection ever since I had a private collection. I just remember it as being recommended by a rum-loving friend, and thought the box looked nifty. Many moons have passed since then, and that original bottle has been replaced again and again. So is there a reason I now keep a bottle in my Emergency Preparedness Kit? Read on.
Appearance: In the bottle and glass, a rich red and brown oaky color, wonderfully translucent and almost shimmering. In the glass, the legs give way quickly to dimpling.
Nosing: A great warmth fills the glass, with touches of banana, roasted coconut, touches of sea salt and even a hint of a wood fire. Lots of the expected rum notes, with plenty of vanilla and caramel.
Tasting: One of the first things I notice is the extremely buttery texture. Go ahead, melt some butter and take a sip, then take a sip of the Mount Gay XO, you’ll see where I’m going with this. The wood and heat continue, as though you’re sipping the experience of a barbecue on the beach with good friends, anticipating the cool of night as the fire keeps you warm. Lots of coconut and wood notes in this, without getting bitter or harsh, a sign of masterful aging and blending! I’m almost tempted to say it’s like drinking smoked honey, but not having drank smoked honey… well, it sounds like an experiment for a later time. Hints of spice stay on the tongue long after the last taste.
On Mixing: For all of its sippability, it’s a powerhouse mixer too. The woody-sweet characteristics give it the ability to play classy or exotic, lending itself as easily to an Old Fashioned or Manhattan variant as it does to being used like an Aged Jamaican in your favorite Tropical Libation. I’ve even made a few nifty potables, the Bimbolada and the Pride of Barbados, specifically featuring Mount Gay XO, playing up the fruitier notes in the rum, while holding strong to the aged rum characteristics.
Score: As a sipper it’s top notch, and as a mixer it’s liquid gold. How could I not give this rum the love it deserves with all 5 guns a-blazin’. My favorite Barbados rum… for now. I’m definitely hoping to get my hands on its older brother, the 1703. Someday… a rum lover can hope!
(5/5)
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I love this rum…my #1 favorite sipper. My folks brought back a big bottle of it a few years ago when their cruise stopped in Barbados.
Damn! This stuff IS good as a sipper and for mixing!
It hurt every time I see a recipe that calls for it… I can’t get it here in Brazil… unfortunately :(
It’s hard to beat Mount Gay Extra Old when you’re looking for a rum that’s as excellent as it is versatile. I don’t think there are any other rums at its price that I ensure I always have 2 bottles of at all times.
One of my favorite uses is in Rum Old Fashioneds. In fact, this is my go-to rum for Rum Old Fashioneds. Use the Fee Brothers’ Whiskey Barrel Bitters, demerara sugar, and a twist of lemon and orange peels and settle into heaven.
Dimpling?