Frequently Asked Questions
Mount Gay rums are made from molasses, sugarcane and water.
Our rums are made only from sugarcane molasses-based alcohol. The sugarcane is transformed into molasses, then fermented with water from our own well in Barbados and proprietary yeast; after that it is distilled in column and/or pot stills. Once this is done, our rums are aged in barrels.
There is no added sugar in Mount Gay rums.
The alcohol present in Mount Gay rums comes from sugarcanes. The sugarcanes are transformed into molasses (molasses is a byproduct of sugar production from sugar cane). The molasses is fermented with water and yeast. Then, the yeast consumes the sugar and transforms it into alcohol. The distillation further strengthens the ABV.
An unopened bottle of Mount Gay rum can last decades without losing quality and flavors, as long as it’s stored in good conditions: upright, in a cool, dark and dry place).
The rum won’t evolve anymore once bottled. Maturation only happens when the rum is in the casks, thanks to the contact between wood and the warm air of Barbados. This means that the taste and texture of the rum in the bottle will not change for the time you keep it, provided the proper storage conditions mentioned above are followed.
Once opened, Mount Gay rum will never be unsafe to drink, it may just lose complexity, depth, and freshness gradually. So, we advise to consume your Mount Gay rum within 18 months, to continue to enjoy and experience all its taste and flavors.
Sediment in aged rums can occur over time especially for non-chill filtered rums, but this is natural and harmless. Most Mount Gay’s limited editions are not chill filtered.
Yes, Mount Gay rums are gluten free.
There is no intentional incorporation of allergens. Strict cleaning conditions are adhered to which avoid any cross contamination by known allergens during the production process of these products. Our products do not contain milk, milk products, milk casein, milk protein, egg, egg protein, product of the egg, egg lysozyme, egg albumin or gelatin, barley, wheat, grain, nuts, almond, soy, caffeine, quinine, liquorice, or artificial sweeteners.
However, it is not possible for us to say categorically that it will be safe for an intolerant consumer to consume our rums. We would recommend to you that you try Mount Gay rum in very small quantities initially (keeping a symptoms record, if any) and then gradually increase the amounts if there are no deleterious effects.
No, Mount Gay products don’t contain nuts or traces of peanuts.
Yes, Mount Gay rums are fit for vegans and vegetarians.
No, today Mount Gay rums as a whole cannot be considered as organic. We do use organic ingredients where possible and adhere to strict responsible agricultural practices, which you can find on the CSR section of our website.
Yes, Mount Gay rums are starch-free. Rum, including Mount Gay, is made from sugarcane molasses or juice, which doesn’t contain starch. The fermentation and distillation processes further remove any potential starch content.
We do not add any sulphites to our products during the rum production process. Consequently, we have not been traditionally tested for sulphites. Whilst we can say that we do not add any sulphite to Mount Gay rum, we are not currently able to say definitively that they are absolutely no sulphite present from other sources. Sulphites are more a concern with the wine industry where they are added as preservatives. If sulphites are present in rums, then it is likely to be at trace levels, well below the levels used in the wine industry (Mount Gay rums are below the 10ppm value).
Sulphites if present will be at levels well below those found typically in wines. Sulphites do not develop in the bottle. The barrels that we use are oaken but were used to age bourbon before we fill them with rum. There are no added preservatives in our rums.
The main ingredients in Mount Gay rums are single distilled and/or double distilled rums, and purified water. These ingredients account for greater than 99% of the composition of the products. Almost all the flavor is derived from the single and double distilled rums. In some of our products, there is also a small amount of caramel coloring solely used to standardize the color. This caramel is a standard ingredient that is widely used in the spirit industry.
Neither the canes from which the molasses are derived nor our proprietary yeast that ferment the sugars in the molasses are genetically modified.
Please find the nutritional value of Mount Gay rums on the following document: https://www.mountgayrum.com/pdf/Mount_Gay_Nutritional_Information.pdf.
The alcohol in Mount Gay Rums is derived from the yeast fermentation of sugarcane molasses. We do not use any dairy or animal products as ingredients in the manufacture of our rums. All the filtration media for rum production eg. cellulose filters, activated carbon, are of plant origin and produced from vegetable matter. All wood pulp used for the filter sheets comes from sustainable resources and is FSC certified.
Mount Gay core range is composed of 4 products: Silver, Eclipse, Black Barrel and XO.
Mount Gay has currently 4 different collections available:
• Core Collection
• Cask Strength Collection
• Master Blender Collection
• Single Estate Series
Learn more about these collections and Mount Gay rums on our website, following this link: https://www.mountgayrum.com/collection/
The Master Blender Collection is Mount Gay’s prestigious limited-edition series of rums, showcasing our artistry and 322 years of expertise. Each release highlights a specific aspect of rum-making. resulting in complex and nuanced rums.
In a few words, Master Blender Collection is a showcase of innovation and tradition, pushing the boundaries of rum while still honoring Mount Gay’s long heritage.
Today, the collection includes 8 different expressions:
• XO: Peat Smoke Expression
• Pot Still Rum
• The Port Cask Expression
• Andean Oak Cask
• The Madeira Cask Expression
• The PX Sherry Cask Expression
• The Coffey Still Expression
• The Cognac Cask Expression
To learn more about a specific expression, please visit our dedicated product pages in the Master Blender Collection section: https://www.mountgayrum.com/collection/
In 2015, Mount Gay purchased 324 acres of what were the historical Mount Gay and Oxford estates. For the first time since the 19th century, Mount Gay is a fully integrated operation, from soil to sip. On the Mount Gay Estate, unique varieties of sugar cane are nurtured to fully express the distinct character of the World’s oldest running rum estate.
From the moment the sugar cane is harvested, transforming it into crafted molasses, and through fermentation and distillation in time-honoured copper pot stills, the spirits of Single Estate Series is carefully guided by Master Blender Trudiann Branker. Over the years, Trudiann and her team have meticulously nurtured these Estate distillates, leading is to the exciting introduction of this remarkable Series.
Today, there are two different editions of the Single Estate Series:
• Single Estate Series 23_01
• Single Estate Series 24_02
To learn more about a specific edition, please visit our dedicated product pages in the Single Estate Series section: https://www.mountgayrum.com/collection/
The alcohol by volume (ABV) of Mount Gay rums varies, depending on the product.
The ABV indicates the amount of alcohol contained in an alcoholic beverage.
Learn more about each Mount Gay rums ABV on our website, visiting our product pages in the collection section: https://www.mountgayrum.com/collection/
Mount Gay rums are made from canes coming exclusively from Barbados and The Caribbean.
Depending on where you are from, you can buy Mount Gay rums in selected and premium retailers, as well as selected and premium e-retailers.
To find a e-retailer, please visit the product page or your choice and click on the “Buy Online” button (depending on your location, you may not be able to access this option).
No, Mount Gay rum is not sold in bulk.
No, Mount Gay does not sell used barrels.
Yes, you can buy Mount Gay rums online in selected e-retailers.
To find a e-retailer, please visit the product page or your choice and click on the “Buy Online” link (depends on your location, you may not be able to access this option).
Official Mount Gay merchandising is sold at our Mount Gay Visitor Centre in Barbados.
To best appreciate the quality and not deteriorate the taste of your Mount Gay rum through time, we advise the following storing conditions:
• Store Upright
• Keep your bottle of rum in a cool and dry place
• Avoid direct sunlight
Mount Gay rums do not require refrigeration, even after opening. Store at room temperature.
After opening, try to consume within 18 months for best flavors.
Please note that opened rum will never be unsafe to drink, it just may lose complexity, depth, and freshness gradually.
An unopened bottle of Mount Gay rum can last decades without losing quality and flavors, as long as it’s stored in good conditions: upright, in a cool, dark and dry place.
Once opened, we advise to consume your Mount Gay rum within 18 months, to continue enjoy the taste and flavors.
Please note that opened rum will never be unsafe to drink, it just may lose complexity, depth, and freshness gradually.
Mount Gay rums do not have an expiration date.
However, once opened, we advise to consume your Mount Gay rum within 18 months, to continue enjoy the taste and flavors.
An unopened bottle of Mount Gay rum can last decades without losing quality and flavors, as long as it’s stored in good conditions: upright, in a cool, dark and dry place).
The rum won’t evolve anymore once bottled. Maturation only happens when the rum is in the casks, thanks to the contact between wood and the warm air of Barbados. This means that the taste and texture of the rum in the bottle will not change for the time you keep it, provided the proper storage conditions mentioned above are followed.
Once opened, Mount Gay rum will never be unsafe to drink, it may just lose complexity, depth, and freshness gradually. So, we advise to consume your Mount Gay rum within 18 months, to continue to enjoy and experience all its taste and flavors.
Sediment in aged rums can occur over time especially for non-chill filtered rums, but this is natural and harmless. Most Mount Gay’s limited editions are not chill filtered.
Mount Gay rum will not freeze in a standard household freezer. That said, it might get thicker or slightly syrupy in texture when very cold.
However, Mount Gay rums do not require refrigeration, even after opening. The flavors and aromas are best appreciated at room temperature (store in a dark, cool and dry place).
To have more information about the age of your old Mount Gay bottle, please fill in the following contact form giving the lot number (printed on the back label or bottle, starting with L and followed by several digits): https://www.mountgayrum.com/contact-us/
To have more information about the value of your old Mount Gay bottle, please fill in the following contact form giving the lot number (printed on the back label or bottle, starting with L and followed by several digits): https://www.mountgayrum.com/contact-us/
Our patrimony department will analyze your request.
Mount Gay was born in 1703 in Barbados, a Caribbean island. Mount Gay is the oldest running rum distillery in the world.
Mount Gay Distillery is located in the north of Barbados, in St Lucy parish.
Do you want to visit us? Find the location here.
Mount Gay tours and experiences can be booked via this page: https://www.mountgayrum.com/distillery-tours/
Mount Gay’s Visitor Centre is located in the south of Barbados, close to the capital of Barbados, Bridgetown, in the parish of St Michael.
Do you want to visit us? Find the location here.
Mount Gay tours and experiences can be booked via this page: https://www.mountgayrum.com/distillery-tours/
Barbados is a small island country located in the eastern Caribbean; part of the region known as the West Indies. Mount Gay rum is produced and bottled in Barbados.
Mount Gay was first produced in 1703 at the historic and still-operating Mount Gay Distillery in the parish of Saint Lucy, Barbados. Mount Gay is the oldest running rum distillery in the world.
We will be happy to welcome you to our Distillery, as well as our Visitor Centre, in Barbados. These historic locations invite you to discover the mysteries and secrets behind the world’s oldest running rum distillery.
With many tours to choose from, among which our Signature Rum Tour, Cocktail workshop, and Distillery Experience, you can discover the flavors and aromas of our rums and learn about the history of Mount Gay as we take you on a journey through our rich heritage and the time proven craftsmanship.
To book a tour, please visit the tour pages on our website: https://www.mountgayrum.com/distillery-tours/
If you want to officially apply for a position within Mount Gay Distillery, we invite you to send your resume to the following email address: hrmountgay@remy-cointreau.com.
Mount Gay Distillery is truly committed to causes and CSR.
At Mount Gay, we are committed to creating a future where sustainability, community empowerment, and innovation coexist harmoniously, organised in three different pillars:
• Our planet, our island;
• Our people, our communities;
• Our future.
Please visit our dedicated page on our website to learn more about our environmental and societal initiatives: https://www.mountgayrum.com/csr/
For any specific questions, please send your request via our contact form: https://www.mountgayrum.com/contact-us/. We will make sure to give you an answer as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, you cannot buy Mount Gay molasses. Molasses are rare and an essential part of our rum-making, as such, we have to keep it for ourselves!
The Mount Gay harvest typically occurs during the spring and summer months, often celebrated around the time of Barbados’ Crop Over festival, which historically marks the end of the sugarcane harvest. The exact dates can vary each year; for example, the 2016 harvest occurred in May, while the 2018 harvest began at the end of July.
Mount Gay has been a partner of many regattas in the world. However, apart from these selected regattas, Mount Gay does not sponsor other private or sportive events. Additionally, the code of ethics of our Group does not allow us to support events associated with schools or universities.
Nevertheless, we sincerely wish you the best of luck and success in your project.
In earlier centuries sailors proved their passage to the Caribbean by returning to Europe with a barrel of Barbadian rum. Thus began Mount Gay’s historic relationship with the sailor’s community. Mount Gay sponsors over 100 regattas every year and awards its highly coveted Red Caps to winning sailors and regatta participants. The Red Caps are prized souvenirs proudly displayed at each race as a powerful symbol and unmistakable declaration of twin passions: sailing and Mount Gay rum.
Unfortunately, the red cap is not available for sale.
The Mount Gay Rum Red Cap is a symbol of accomplishment in the sailing community. It is given to sailors who have raced in a Mount Gay sponsored regatta. The red caps are only given to winning boats and to sailors attending the Mount Gay red cap parties, which make them a very sought-after object for sailors all around the Globe. There is no other way to get one.
Each red cap holds the Mount Gay logo, the name of the regatta as well as the year of the race.
Invaluable! As Mount Gay red caps are not available to sell, we cannot determine their value.
Mount Gay has a deep historical connection with sailors, dating back to its origins in 1703. As Barbados became a major hub for transatlantic shipping, Mount Gay became a staple on ships, appreciated for its quality and ability to withstand long voyages. Sailors, merchants, and ship owners all favored it, contributing to its spread around the world. Over time, Mount Gay became known as “the rum that conquered the world,” with sailors playing a crucial role in its distribution and popularity. Today, Mount Gay continues to honor this maritime heritage through sponsorships of sailing events and partnerships with sailors.
Depending on the specific Mount Gay rum you choose, it can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, in a cocktail or with a simple mixer. Please check the product page of your product choice to get specific tasting advice.
The taste of Mount Gay rums varies depending on the specific expression. In general, Mount Gay rums provide a balanced and flavorful experience, making it enjoyable both neat and in cocktails. Please check the product page of your choice to learn more about it.
Yes, you can drink Mount Gay rums neat. This way, you can fully appreciate their complexity and flavor nuances. Please visit the product page of your choice for tasting recommendations.
Yes, you can cook with Mount Gay Rum! Its rich and complex flavors can add depth and warmth to a variety of dishes, such a marinade, sauces, desserts and flambés.
Remember that the flavor of the rum will become more concentrated as the dish cooks, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Mount Gay, with its diverse range of expressions, pairs well with a variety of foods. Ultimately, the best food pairing depends on your personal preference and the specific expression of Mount Gay you’re enjoying. You can visit the product pages on our website to get more specific information about the best food pairing according to the Mount Gay rum of your choice.
Yes, Mount Gay is good for making cocktails! It’s a versatile rum with a range of expressions that work well in a variety of cocktails, from classic to more modern creations.
Do you want to try making a Mount Gay cocktail? Find our selection of classic, twisted and Caribbean cocktails with their recipes on our website, following this link: https://www.mountgayrum.com/cocktails/all-cocktails/
Mount Gay rum is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed in a variety of cocktails, ranging from classic (Original Rum Punch, Black and Stormy, Daiquiri, Mojito…) to more unique concoctions.
Want to try making a Mount Gay cocktail? Find our selection of classic, twisted and Caribbean cocktails with their recipes on our website, following this link: https://www.mountgayrum.com/cocktails/all-cocktails/
Preparing a cocktail is a ritual. Each cocktail requires different utensils. The main ones are the shaker, the jigger, and a glass.
Want to try making a Mount Gay cocktail? Find our selection of classic, twisted and Caribbean cocktails with their recipes on our website, following this link: https://www.mountgayrum.com/cocktails/all-cocktails/
Mount Gay Rum can be enjoyed in several ways, depending on your personal preferences, the time of the day, or the specific expression you’re drinking. You can enjoy it neat, on the rocks, in cocktails or with simple mixers.
Do you still have a question?
Please fill out our contact form. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
