Drink of the Week: Mount Gay Black Barrel

Dating back to 1703, Mount Gay is the world’s oldest running rum distillery. Mount Gay’s rums are matured, bottled, and blended on Barbados, and the island’s unique terroir influences the production process, yielding rich and flavorful expressions. In 2019, Trudiann Branker became the first female master blender for Mount Gay, marking a new chapter in the distillery’s rich history. Since taking on the role of Master Blender, Branker’s deep knowledge of chemistry and passion for making rum have helped her oversee the production of all of Mount Gay’s blends and expressions. Branker’s role ensures both longtime rum fans and new spirits enthusiasts will enjoy Mount Gay’s rums and flavor profiles. And among the expressions not to miss is Mount Gay Black Barrel.

Mount Gay Black Barrel is distilled in traditional copper pot and column stills. Crafted from a blend of intense and aromatic rums, the expression is matured in ex-American whiskey casks and finished in bourbon casks. The result? A bold and robust rum with a dark amber color and notes of black pepper, toasted vanilla, toffee, and orange zest. 

With National Cocktail Day (March 24) right around the corner, Mount Gay Black Barrel is the perfect spirit to celebrate with. Whether mixed in a classic cocktail (like the Old Fashioned variation below) or sipped neat, this stellar rum offers a deliciously rich and smooth flavor you’ll want to savor.

Black Barrel Old Fashioned

(makes 1 cocktail)
1½ oz. Mount Gay Black Barrel rum 
¼ oz. simple syrup (1:1) 
4 dashes orange bitters

Tools: barspoon
Glass: Old Fashioned
Garnish: orange peel

Combine all of the ingredients in a glass, add a large ice cube, then stir to combine and chill. Twist an orange peel over the drink to express the citrus oils, then use as a garnish.

Learn more about Mount Gay Rum and explore other cocktail recipes using Black Barrel on MountGayRum.com. Buy a bottle at reservebar.com.