I first “discovered” Mount Gay Rum (www.RemyUSA.com) (www.MountGay.com) on a trip to Barbados a few years ago. Edward F. Nesta and I were in Barbados for the Caribbean Hotel Association Conference where Edward was a speaker. After we arrived at our hotel, we were given a welcome rum punch made with Mount Gay Rum, and well, as they say, the rest is history. Mount Gay Rum has an extensive history of rum making dating back to 1703, although there is the possibility that they may have produced rum as early as 1663. Its proud history also includes being the oldest rum in the world.
The Mount Gay Rum Estate in Saint Lucy, Barbados, which has been producing Mount Gay Extra Old Rum and Mount Gay Eclipse Rum, has now added two new flavored rums to their family of products, Mount Gay Mango Rum and Mount Gay Vanilla Rum. Although I was very familiar with their Mount Gay Extra Old Rum and Mount Gay Eclipse Rum, I first tasted their new releases, Mount Gay Mango Rum and Mount Gay Vanilla Rum at RumFest 2004 in Tarrytown, New York in November 2004.
Mount Gay Extra Old Rum, 86 Proof (43% alcohol), possesses a rich deep color, which is the result of the special craftsmanship of the Master Blender by blending of 15 – 17 year old oak-aged single distilled rum and special Mount Gay double distilled rum. This rum is a definite take out the snifter glass and swirl, savor the deep rich burnished color, and appreciate the aromatic nutty nose and 300 years of experience. This exceptionally smooth rich rum with a taste of caramel, and a long smooth finish, is not one that you will want to mix in a cocktail, although you could. It is the recipient of many awards including the 2003 Silver Medal at the International Spirits Challenge, and a high quality trophy in 2002 from Monde Selection after winning 3 Gold and 3 Grand Gold awards consecutively. It won its sixth Grand Gold award in 2003.
Mount Gay Eclipse Rum, 86 Proof (43% alcohol), has a golden tawny color, with a butterscotch caramel nose. It has a sweet taste on the palate with mouth-warming flavor, with a nice lasting finish. It is also the recipient of many awards including the 2003 Bronze Medal at the International Spirits Challenge.
Mount Gay Vanilla Rum, 64 Proof (32% alcohol), is clear with essence of vanilla. Mixed with cola it provides a more interesting and complex taste to this classic cocktail. This rum would also be fabulous in a Long Island Ice Tea (rum, vodka, gin, tequila, triple sec, fresh lemon juice and cola), or if mixing isn’t your thing, it is also delicious served chilled over ice.
Mount Gay Mango Rum, 64 Proof (32% alcohol), is also clear with a subtle hint of mango flavor. It has a very fresh taste, with real mango flavor, which is not often the case with flavored alcohols. It is perfect to transform your old favorite cocktail into something new and special. Imagine a Cosmopolitan made with Mount Gay Mango Rum, or mixed with orange juice, or perhaps a Mojito or a Pina Colada? Ah, those thoughts get me thinking of a Caribbean Party and summertime. Why wait though, when you can sit inside on a cold winter’s day and think warm thoughts of the Caribbean drinking one of your new Mount Gay Rum creations. 
