INNOVATIVE AND AUTHENTIC: MOUNT GAY RUM PRESENTS ANDEAN OAK CASK

A new limited edition based on 315 years of expertise and technical know-how

Like wine or truffles, you can’t compromise on the quality of rum, whether you drink it straight or in a cocktail. With more than three centuries of experience and know-how, Mount Gay is a reference in the world of rum. Just as the world’s oldest distillery has done every year for the past three years, it is expanding its Master Blender Collectionwith a new, refined limited edition. This year it is the Andean Oak Cask, with its exceptional bottle the ideal gift for true rum lovers.

It’s an event that rum lovers follow closely: every year the legendary distillery Mount Gay launches a new limited edition. Mount Gay, located at the northern tip of rum’s cradle, Barbados, is the oldest distillery in the world and was founded in 1703. For more than three centuries Mount Gay has excelled in the art of blending the most complex, rich and flavoursome rums. This year Mount Gay is launching Andean Oak Cask, the fourth limited edition of the Master Blender Collection.

A Precious Treasure: Merrum Christmas

The Master Blender collection was created as a tribute to the heritage and expertise of the distillery. Growing every year, it is a testament to the passion and determination of Mount Gay, which remains resolute in its commitment to innovation. In 2018, the collection saw the light of day with the release of XO: The Peat Smoke Expression, a refined rum created by former Master Blender Allen Smith.

After him, Trudiann Branker successfully took up the torch. She created Pot Still Rum in 2019 and The Port Cask Expression in 2020. For this exceptional new edition, Trudiann Branker and her team chose barrels made from oak from the Andes. After 14 years of maturation in old bourbon barrels, Andean Oak Cask rum completes its maturation over 11 months in a barrel made from Andean oak, a very special species as it is the only oak native to South America. This is a great first for the Mount Gay distillery, which has never used this very special wood before. The unique maturation process gives the rum spicy and smoky gourmand notes. When tasted, it gradually develops a blend of tones of nutmeg, vanilla, pear and toasted coconut. Andean Oak is best drunk straight and goes well with goat cheese.

As with previous editions, Andean Oak Cask is filtered uncooled to preserve its rich flavours and beautiful natural colour . With its elegant bottle, Mount Gay’s expertise and unique casks, Andean Oak Cask is the perfect gift for the true rum lover and the perfect Christmas present for collectors or connoisseurs. Note that this ordinary edition is limited to 2760 bottles worldwide, making this precious and elegant gift full of flavour even more exceptional.

Trudiann Branker, Master Blender at Mount Gay: “I was inspired by the incredible feedback we received following the release of The Port Cask Expression and wanted to push the boundaries. Combining the brand new casks with a traditional rum from distiller’s flasks created something completely new, bold and complex. I think rum lovers around the world will enjoy it.”

All roads lead to… rum

Would you like to please a rum lover, but your Christmas budget doesn’t allow you to treat him or her to this exceptional limited edition? Don’t worry, Mount Gay also has high-quality rums at a more affordable price, like the Black Barrel. This rum was developed by former Master Blender Allen Smith and adapted by current Master Blender Trudiann Branker. It is made from different rums distilled in different flasks and is aged in charred casks allowing deep and unique notes to develop. The gourmet, spicy and woody rum with notes of gingerbread, caramel and dried fruit will satisfy any lover of rum or cocktails. The Black Barrel can not only be drunk pure, it is also a suitable ingredient for fruity cocktails. Mojito, Piña Colada or Caipirinha, all roads lead to rum, the secret ingredient in countless cocktails. Whether your friends swear by classic cocktails or develop their own recipes, Mount Gay’s Black Barrel Rum makes an ideal year-end gift. And to make your gift even more inspiring and tasteful, just add these two highly original recipes.

^{Black Barrel is sold at Delhaize and Carrefour for €42. You can also find it at the better drinks shop.}

COCKTAIL INSPIRATION: OUT OF OFFICE

60 ml Black Barrel by Mount Gay Rum
15 ml fresh lemon juice
15 ml fresh grapefruit juice
15 ml cinnamon syrup
15 ml Falernum

Put all ingredients in a shaker. Top up with ice cubes and shake vigorously. Filter the cocktail and serve in an ice-filled whisky glass. Decorate with a quarter of grapefruit.