Mount Gay ages rum in Rémy Martin casks
Barbadian producer Mount Gay has matured its rum in ex-Rémy Martin casks for the eighth release in its Master Blender Collection.
Crafted by master blender Trudiann Branker, The Cognac Cask Expression is the first Mount Gay rum to be entirely aged in casks that previously held Cognac.
For this project, Branker turned to casks from Rémy Martin, which shares the same parent company (Rémy Cointreau) as Mount Gay.
These casks, which are used for the ageing of Rémy Martin’s eaux-de-vie, are crafted from large grain oak trees primarily sourced from the Limousin forests in France.
Branker explained: “By ageing rum completely in Cognac casks, we’ve allowed the interaction between the rum and the cask to bring forward a unique profile. The French oak imparts notes of dried fruits, vanilla, and oak, while the tropical climate of Barbados enhances the fruit-forward character of the rum.
“This is an elegant and unique release that showcases the best of both traditions, made rarer by the fact that this may be the end of the collection as we all know it to be.”
Branker chose to highlight the subtle fruitiness of Mount Gay’s traditional column distilled rums for this limited edition release. The result is a blend that is described as rich and opulent, revealing layers of flavour with every sip.
On the nose, the rum offers a bouquet of red fruits, vanilla, leather, and a touch of orange zest, while the palate brings a medley of cherry, salted caramel, brown sugar, and oak. The long finish carries a sweetness, underscored by the signature dryness imparted by the French oak casks.
The non-chill filtered rum is recommended served neat.
The single batch rum was aged for four years in Cognac casks in Barbados’ tropical climate, which is said to have brought a depth and refinement to the spirit that is rarely seen in rum.
The expression made its debut to the market on 2 June. It is available for £220 (US$296) for a 700ml bottle from The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt, and Berry Bros & Rudd, as well as other outlets.
It has been bottled at 58% ABV and there are only 6,276 bottles available worldwide.
The seventh rum in the Master Blender Collection showcased a revived coffey still.
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