Review by: The Auditor

Review #1200; Rum #514

Here we have a special release, the first in the Mount Gay Single Estate series. This rum was made from 100% molasses grown at the Mount Gay Estate in St Lucy Barbados. This rum was made from cane harvested in 2016 and 2017. The rum was made into molasses that was fermented with Mount Gay yeast and fermented for 9 days. The rum was then distilled on the Pot Still and aged in 100% ex-bourbon American oak casks. The 2016 vintage rum aged for 6 years and the 2017 vintage rum aged for 5 years, with all of the ageing occurring in Barbados. These 2 aged rums were then blended together to create this single estate bottling.

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Distillery: Mount Gay Estate

Bottler: Mount Gay

Region: Barbados

Still: Pot

Cask: Ex-Bourbon, 5 and 6 years old iN Barbados

ABV: 55%

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Nose: Toasted Coconut, Cinnamon, Vanilla, Lemon Zest, Wildflower, Honey stick

Palate:   Medium Oily Mouthfeel, Honey, Toasted Coconut, Cinnamon, Lemon Zest, Vanilla, faint nuttiness,  Lime Juice

Finish: Medium length finish, Black Pepper, Toasted Coconut, Cinnamon, Lemon Zest, Vanilla, Nuttiness, Lime Juice

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Conclusion: This is a great rum. It’s represents exceptional balance in flavors. It’s fruity, with a touch of cask influence to bring some vanilla, the spices mingle well with the fruits, and just a touch of pepper and nuttiness to bring it all together. It’s a well-crafted and delicious rum.

I do have to touch on the subject of price with this rum, which I often don’t feel is my place to do. But at $400+ for a bottle, I can easily say that it is not a bottle I would ever own. I like the project and the concept of this bottling series and I can understand a high price for it, but for me personally it is far too rich for my blood.

Final Score: 88

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
• 50-59: Save it for mixing.
• 0-49: Blech.