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Tag: Barbados

Stade's Rum Barbados Bond No. 8

Stade’s Rum Barbados Bond No. 8

Friday, September 9, 2022 / / 0 Comments

With Stade’s Rum Barbados Bond No. 8, West Indies Rum Distillery goes back in time to rekindle a brand name that evokes the early days of rum production on the island of Barbados.

The Man Behind The Brand Name

German Engineer George Stade forever changed the method of producing rum on the island when he installed the first modern column still in 1893.

The company quickly grew to be the largest producer in Barbados and is today recognized as the most important export business on the island.Stade's Rum Barbados Bond No. 8

The Debut of Stade’s Rums

Two rums were issued in 2022 under this new brand, the Beach Vat No. 1 clear rum and this aged rum — Stade’s Rum Barbados Bond No. 8, a blend of aged column distillate and high ester rum made on the old refurbished Gregg’s Farm Copper Pot Still after a weeks-long fermentation.

It’s an interesting and artful blend of various marques from one to eight years old that varies from the modern styles often associated with the island of Barbados. This expression truly is a reflection of times gone by and a fitting tribute to George Stade — the man that set the modern standards for rum production on the island.

Awards and Recognition

The new Stade’s Rums have been gaining international recognition almost immediately. The 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition awarded Stade’s rum with double gold certification.

Tasting Notes

Aromas of toasted oak with raisins and stone fruit leads to a bit of cigar box and leather over a suggestion of caramel. On the palate, the toasted oak is complimented by a bouquet of dark fruit compote, baking spices and a hint of raw cacao. The taste profile finishes with echoes of toasted oak and tropical fruit.

This rum delivers fabulous flavor for rum cocktails that demand a robust profile and well balanced elements. On the rocks, it’s a fine casual sipper at a value price, and presents a uniquely satisfying aged rum expression when served neat.

The 750ml bottle of Stade’s Rum Barbados Bond No. 8, at 43%, is available widely for about $25.

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Mount Gay Master Blender Collection Pot Still Rum

Mount Gay Master Blender Collection Pot Still Rum

Tuesday, June 2, 2020 / / 2 Comments

One of master blender Trudiann Branker’s first projects at Mount Gay was the release of the limited edition Master Blender Collection Pot Still Rum, with only 4,920 bottles. This expression was well received among rum enthusiasts almost immediately and earned some notable awards soon after release.

The Mount Gay Legacy

The distillery for Mount Gay has a storied reputation for producing fine rum using a collection of traditional McMillan and Fragasa double retort copper pot stills  — along with more efficient column stills installed a century ago.

traditional McMillan and Fragasa double retort copper pot stills

traditional McMillan and Fragasa double retort copper pot stills

Mount Gay Master Blender Collection Pot Still Rum

a Pure Pot Still rum from Mount Gay, aged ten years in whiskey oak barrels

These distillates are artfully combined with expertise to balance their respective best qualities. The vast majority of Mount Gay rums are blends of these two types of stills, matured in oak barrels in the aging warehouses at the distillery.

Two unique aspects of the their legacy production techniques are the indigenous yeasts of Barbados and the supply of fresh artesian water from a deep well on the property.

A Unique Pot Still Product

This boutique Master Blender Collection pot still-only product was distilled in 2009 and aged for ten years before a second maturation of six months in ex-whiskey casks, emphasizing the rich and more rustic flavor profiles of these traditional copper pots in comparison to the tall column stills.

Mount Gay master blender Trudiann Branker

Mount Gay master blender Trudiann Branker’s first release is the Pot Still Rum

This is not the first time Mount Gay has released a pure pot still rum, — and hopefully it won’t be the last. But, it’s the first time they claim an age statement on the label of a pure pot still rum, and its the first signature release by master blender Trudiann Branker.

Premiumization

The Mount Gay distillery has a large stock of aged pot still rums to use in their blends. Eclipse, Black Barrel, XO and the elite 1703 expression have seen increases in the percentage of these well aged pot still components as they inch these expressions forward in the plan for premiumization.

Tasting Notes

Initial aromas of bold dried fruit, chocolate and musty oak dominate before herbal and floral notes, palm blossoms, damp earth and snuffed candle. On the palate, a very dry entry heats up fast, lead by charred oak, bitter vanillin and burnt sugar before a long lasting bitter cacao note in the finish.

This rum is reminiscent of the rustic and hearty rums from the old Caroni distillery in Trinidad.

Limited Availability

Mount Gay’s limited edition Pot Still Rum from master blender Trudiann Branker was aged for ten years in American Whiskey casks before bottling at a robust 48% abv. The 750ml bottle sells for about $150, available mainly on the island of Barbados and a few select markets.

https://www.mountgayrum.com/

read more about the Mount Gay copper pot and column still rums

visit the Mount Gay Rum Facebook page

For more information about types of rum, see Rob’s Rum Guide tutorials.
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View insightful and succinct video rum reviews: Rum Minute YouTube Channel.
Taste The Best Rums: Miami Rum Festival and Rum Renaissance Tasting.
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Ask the Experts: What is the Best Rum In The World?

Inside Mount Gay Distillery - the heart and soul of Barbados

Inside the Mount Gay Distillery in Barbados

Wednesday, April 3, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Since 1703, the legendary masters of rum, at their production facilities of Mount Gay Distillery in Barbados, have been creating fine aged rums, acclaimed the world over.

On Friday, May 17 at 3pm, the Miami Rum Festival will present a special seminar that pulls back the curtain on the Mount Gay Distillery production process, revealing the traditions and time-honored routines that remain unchanged over the decades and centuries.

Fermentation Vats at Mount Gay Distillery

Classic Wooden Fermentation Vats at Mount Gay Distillery

Learn about their fermentation methods, the use of classic copper pot batch stills and modern fractional column continuous stills, their wood management philosophy and techniques, and perhaps most interesting of all — the art of blending their marques to make their world-famous rum expressions.

“We know the Mount Gay brand of fine aged rums as some of the best in the world, defining the style that we equate with the island of Barbados,” said Robert Burr, host of the Miami Rum Fest and publisher of Robs Rum Guide. “This is the heart and soul of Barbados.”

“While many have visited the Mount Gay Welcome Center in Bridgetown while visiting Barbados, few have been invited to the actual Mount Gay Distillery in St. Lucy Parish to see first-hand how these magnificent rums are created, aged and blended into the awarding winning products revered around the world.”

Copper Pot Stills at Mount Gay Distillery

The traditional Copper Pot Stills at Mount Gay Distillery — with “double thumper” retorts — are largely responsible for the classic Mount Gay rum profile.

Samples of pot still rum and column still rums from Mount Gay Distillery — at varying ages — will be tasted, compared and evaluated.

Seminar: Inside the Mount Gay Distillery in Barbados
Date and Time: Friday, May 17 at 3pm
Miami Rum Fest: Coral Gables Woman’s Club

Attendees are encouraged to RSVP for seminars in advance to ensure seating. http://www.rumrenaissance.com/seminars/

Tickets for Miami Rum Festival are $50 per day for unlimited rum samples, or $75 for VIP access.

The 11th annual Miami Rum Fest takes place at the historic Coral Gables Woman’s Club. General admission on Friday, May 17th is from 4pm to 8pm and Saturday, May 18th from 4pm to 10pm. VIP admission starts at 2pm each day. For complete details, visit the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival web site. http://www.rumrenaissance.com/

For more information about types of rum, see Rob’s Rum Guide tutorials.

To stay informed about news and updates in the world of rum, subscribe to Robs Rum Guide.

View insightful and succinct video rum reviews: Rum Minute YouTube Channel.

Taste The Best Rums: Miami Rum Festival and Rum Renaissance Tasting.

Experience the ultimate rum travel adventure: Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise.

Ask the Experts: What is the Best Rum In The World?

Cashcane Saloon Cask blended aged rum

Cashcane Saloon Cask blended aged rum

Tuesday, August 28, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Bottled at 55% abv, Cashcane Saloon Cask aged rum is a blend of molasses-based spirits from Barbados, Trinidad and Panama, aged for six to eight years.

Each of the components lends a unique character to the blend, and the slightly elevated proof presents a bold expression reminiscent of cask strength American Bourbon. A small sip delivers big flavor.

Cashcane Saloon Cask Tasting Notes

Cashcane Saloon Cask blended aged rumMild aromas of butter cookie and vanilla lead to toasted oak and some spices. On the palate, pencil shavings and vanilla, toasted oak and some subtle sweetness precede a slightly bitter cocoa that balances well. Ripe butter and cedar linger in the finish.

In a tumbler with good ice, Cashcane Saloon Cask is a fine sipper. In classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Manhattan, it plays through well with potent, well balanced rum flavor that compliments the other ingredients.

Cashcane Saloon Cask blended aged rum in the 750ml bottle sells for about $49.

 

For more information about types of rum, see Rob’s Rum Guide tutorials.

To stay informed about news and updates in the world of rum, subscribe to Robs Rum Guide.

View insightful and succinct video rum reviews: Rum Minute YouTube Channel.

Experience the ultimate rum travel adventure: Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise.

The Real McCoy 10 Year Old Limited Edition Virgin Oak Rum

The Real McCoy 10 year limited edition aged rum

Monday, March 19, 2018 / / 0 Comments

The Real McCoy 10 Year Old Limited Edition Virgin Oak Aged Rum is a robust expression from Barbados offering exquisite complexity.

True to it’s namesake, this iconic brand hearkens the days of prohibition-era rum running when Bill McCoy refused to compromise on quality. Only 3,000 bottles of this micro-batch have been released.

Pedigree

The Real McCoy 10 Year Old Limited Edition Virgin Oak Rum

The Real McCoy 10 Year Old Limited Edition Virgin Oak Rum is a robust expression from Barbados created by blending rums aged in both Bourbon and Virgin American Oak casks.

Crafted at Foursquare Distillery, this expression relies on a higher percentage of copper pot still distillate for a richer flavor profile. Two batches are aged separately. The first spends twelve years in used Bourbon barrels. The second, ages ten years in virgin American oak casks.

Carefully blended to balance flavors, the result is bottled at a hardy 92 proof, an example of the authentic style of fine aged rum that made Barbados famous the world over.

Tasting notes

Aromas of ripe banana, toasted butter pecan, big oak and vanilla are accented by a funky fruit. On the palate, brown butter over charred oak brings vanilla, toasted almond and tart dried fruit with a suggestion of burnt sugar. The finish offers long lasting notes of dark buttered toast and plenty of oak.

Quality and Value

The Real McCoy 10 Year Old Limited Edition Virgin Oak Rum appeals to connoisseurs, while remaining accessible to all spirit enthusiasts who appreciate small-batch quality and good value.

The 750ml bottle retails for about $60.

http://realmccoyspirits.com/

See also: The Real McCoy Story.

For more information about types of rum, see Rob’s Rum Guide tutorials.

To stay informed about news and updates in the world of rum, subscribe to Robs Rum Guide.

View insightful and succinct video rum reviews: Rum Minute YouTube Channel.

Experience the ultimate rum travel adventure: Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise.

Mount Gay Rum releases Origin Series – The Copper Stills

Tuesday, September 13, 2016 / / 0 Comments

The iconic Mount Gay brand of rum from Barbados recently announced a special limited edition aged rum package: Origin Series – The Copper Stills.

From Barbados, the new Mount Gay Origin Series: Volume Two, The Copper Stills Collection features two similarly aged rums created in two different stills.

The Copper Stills: Pot vs. Column

Origin Series, Copper Stills, Mount Gay rum from Barbados

Mount Gay releases their limited edition Origin Series Volume Two: The Copper Stills, featuring a selection of two aged rum expressions from Barbados.

The first was produced in a copper pot still, the traditional method of creating rum that dates back to the brand’s origins in Barbados in 1703. The second expression was created in a modern copper column still, a more efficient method for producing rum from molasses.

Each of the two rums included in this special package exhibits a flavor profile unique to it’s method of distillation. Mount Gay rums achieve their complexity and depth of flavor by combining these types of marques in their popular blends.

Tasting Notes

The Copper Pot Rum leads with aromas of sweet cane, vanilla and funky fruit. On the palate notes of dark chocolate, toasted coconut and almonds lead to butter and oak in the finish.

The Copper Column Rum offers aromas of butter and banana. On the palate, hints of sweet ripe fruit and delicate floral notes precede toasted oak.

The Origin Series Collections

“We created the Origin Series collections so that we could give rum drinkers the unique opportunity to experience rum by tasting the pure essence of the distinct distillation methods. We want to share a deeper understanding of how each part of the process can change the taste of rum entirely,” said Mount Gay Master Blender Allen Smith. “Copper Pot is a rich, intricate interpretation of signature Mount Gay aromatics, robust in flavor and body. Copper Column is a delicate and mellow expression of our classic profile.”

Like Volume One of the Origin Series – which featured Virgin Cask and Charred Cask varieties – Volume Two is presented in bespoke packaging of two 375ml bottles, along with a detailed booklet that gives an overview of the creation of the two rums.

The Origin Series Copper Stills collection, at 43% abv, will be available beginning October 2016 at premium liquor and spirits stores across the United States for a suggested retail price of $95.

Mount Gay Rums

The Mount Gay portfolio of fine rums also includes 1703 Old Cask Selection, Extra Old, Black Barrel, Eclipse and Eclipse Silver. Mount Gay is owned by Rémy-Cointreau SA, and is exclusively imported to the U.S. by Rémy Cointreau USA, Inc.

Visit the Mount Gay Rum web site or the Mount Gay Rum Facebook page for more information. Follow Mount Gay rum: @MountGayRum on Facebook and Instagram.

To stay informed of the latest rum news from Robert Burr, subscribe to Robs Rum News email list.

Corn & Oil cocktail from Barbados

Tuesday, January 26, 2016 / / 0 Comments

The classic two ingredient libation of Barbados is the Corn & Oil cocktail, consisting of good aged Bajan rum and falernum liqueur.

Corn & Oil cocktail - Combine aged rum from Barbados with local favorite falernum liquor to create the classic two ingredient cocktail: Corn And Oil.

The classic Bajan treat: Corn and Oil rum cocktail from Barbados combines fine aged rum with falernum liqueur.

Falernum is a local specialty in Barbados — a unique combination of ingredients that reflect tropical flavors. Almond, lime, clove and ginger are the most common ingredients, however, varieties with allspice, vanilla, or even strawberries have been seen.

Examples of good aged Bajan rums include Mount Gay Black Barrel or XO, Cockspur VSOR, Doorly’s XO or 12 year old and Real McCoy 12 year old rum. Today, we’ll use Doorly’s 12 year old rum from Foursquare distillery.

This island cocktail recipe uses Taylor’s Velvet Falernum from Barbados, but you could easily find falernum syrups from brands like BG Reynolds and Fee Brothers.

If you can’t find authentic falernum at a store near you, there’s plenty of easy recipes and variations online. You might prefer to make your own falernum with your own favorite ingredients.

Classic Bajan Corn & Oil cocktail

  • 2 parts Doorly’s 12 year old rum
  • 1 part Taylor’s Velvet Falernum

Method: in a rocks glass, add cubed ice. Pour rum and falernum over ice and stir to combine and chill. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge.

After enjoying this delicious libation on island, the classic Bajan Corn & Oil cocktail always takes you right back to Barbados.

Falernum Recipes

http://www.artofdrink.com/recipes/ingredient/falernum
http://rumdood.com/2009/04/14/homemade-falernum/
http://www.killingtime.com/Pegu/2009/02/26/tiki-ingredient-falernum/

Plantation 5 year old artisanal rum from Barbados

Tuesday, January 5, 2016 / / 3 Comments

With a reputation for double aging fine Caribbean rums, the Plantation brand presents the latest expression of this superb blend of five year old rums from Barbados.

After optimal aging in the Caribbean, Plantation’s Barbados 5 Year Old rum is brought to the Ferrand Estate in France where it is further refined for several more months in small Cognac barrels.

Plantation 5 year old artisanal rum from Barbados is a great example of double aging, maturing first in Bourbon barrels in Barbados before traveling to France for a second rest in Cognac barrels.

Among the most popular expressions of Plantation rum, the Barbados 5 Year Old gets a second barreling in Cognac casks, delivering a fine aged rum at a very good price.

This popular 5 year old Barbados rum presents a medium golden amber color. A smooth and sweet entry leads to rich banana flambé with a hint of vanilla, ripe butter, coconut and dried fruit flavors. Lingering tones of banana fade into a medium dry, slightly spicy finish.

For a relatively young rum, this expression shows unusually rich flavor and complexity, a result of skillful barreling and blending. At about $20 a bottle, Plantation’s Barbados 5 Year Old rum is perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks. It also brings great tropical flavors to premium cocktails.

Plantation 5 year old rum from Barbados earned a Best In Class Gold Award in the RumXP International Tasting Competition at the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival.

Cognac Ferrand is one of the world’s premier boutique producers of fine spirits and a leading architect of the artisanal, vintage and double aged rum movement. They produce limited-edition vintage rums from numerous Caribbean territories including Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Guatemala, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Guadeloupe, Panama and Trinidad.

Cognac Ferrand has offices and production premises at Château de Bonbonnet in Ars, France and its brands are distributed in more than 40 countries. The brands available in the U.S. include the award-winning: Pierre Ferrand Cognac, Citadelle Gin, Mathilde Liqueurs, Plantation Rum, Landy Cognac, Cerbois Armagnac and Daron Calvados.

Blue Chair Bay rum’s Indian Summer cocktail

Monday, August 31, 2015 / / 0 Comments

Created at one of the oldest distilleries in the Caribbean, Blue Chair Bay White Rum makes a delightful base for classic and new aged cocktails. Developed by Kenny Chesney and marketed by his Fishbowl Spirits company, the rum has found an eager audience among the “No Shoes Nation” crowd.

The Indian Summer cocktail combines Blue Chair Bay White Rum with apple cider and lime juice, plus a touch of agave nectar to deliver a lazy late summer libation.

Blue Chair Bay’s acclaimed white rum from Barbados is a perfect base for a sultry late summer cocktail, such as the Indian Summer.

This crystal clear spirit offers aromas of light golden sugar and tropical fruits, followed by subtle spice and beach-aged hints of vanilla, rum cake and gentle oak. It’s a classic clean light Barbados rum with hints of golden sugar, tropical and dried fruits, mild spice, gentle vanilla and bread pudding, with a pleasant, refreshing and delicate finish.

When it debuted in 2013, this rum received a score of 90 (Highly Recommended) in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. It also won a Gold Medal in the 2015 RumXP International Tasting Competition at the Miami Rum Festival and Trade Expo.

As August turns to September, here’s a simple recipe for a great late summer libation using Blue Chair Bay White Rum, aptly named the Indian Summer.

Indian Summer Cocktail

1.5 oz. Blue Chair Bay White Rum
3/4 oz. Apple Cider
1.4 oz. fresh lime juice
1 tsp. Agave Nectar
Apple slice for garnish

Shake ingredients very well with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with apple slice.

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The Duppy Share blended aged rum debuts in UK

Friday, August 8, 2014 / / 0 Comments

Ahoy the Duppy Share aged rum. The Westbourne Drinks Company of London has launched a premium expression of blended aged rums from Jamaica and Barbados — The Duppies Share — inspired by the legend of island duppies, the unseen gregarious forces of the Caribbean that conspire to steal a share of fine rum resting in barrels via evaporation.

With a wink and a nod toward the wayward duppies that steal their share of rum maturing in oak barrels, this new Duppy Share premium rum from Westbourne Drinks Company of London features a fine blend of aged rums from Jamaica and Barbados.

The Duppy Share features a delightful blend of aged rum from Jamaica and Barbados, imported into the UK by Westbourne Drinks Company.

In whiskey, the loss of spirit to evaporation is known as the angel’s share. Duppies, on the other hand are said to be nefarious and egregious spirits that cause trouble.

The Duppy Share is distilled in the Caribbean by fourth generation rum masters before being shipped to London for bottling. The blend features bold, tropical fruit flavors from a fine three year old Jamaican rum balanced by smooth, oaky notes of an exceptional five year old Bajan rum, matured in American oak bourbon barrels to impart a golden hue and add subtle oaky, caramel flavors.

Designed as a premium rum to be sipped straight or enjoyed on the rocks, this spirit also works well in cocktails that are complimented by a rich, full bodied aged rum with bold notes of tropical fruit, baking spices and buttery caramel.

The producers suggest The Duppy Share is a great rum for creating tropical punch recipes to be enjoyed at social gatherings and rooftop parties during the summer months.

A well designed bottle complements the fine taste of The Duppy Share blend, with an evocative label design inspired by 1930s travel posters.

The Westbourne Drinks Company is a new business founded in London by Rum Adventurer George Frost and start-up guru Jessica Swinfen. Before launching The Duppy Share, Jessica was at Innocent Drinks for almost 10 years. One of the early members of the core team, she helped grow the company into the international brand it is today.

George flirted with the idea of starting a rum distillery in London. Fleetingly. That was before visiting the Caribbean distilleries. That was before meeting the custodians of real rum — the master producers whose skills have been handed down through family-owned businesses for generations. That was before realizing that it’s the American oak barrels in the Caribbean climate that are key to aging fine rum.

At 40% abv, The Duppy Share launched exclusively into Selfridges in 70cl bottles for £37.99.

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