This February 20, 2026 is a special day as we celebrate 323 years of Mount Gay!

Since 1703, we have poured the same passion into every bottle, guided by respect for the terroir, dedication to craftsmanship, pioneering spirit, deep ties to the sailing world, and an ongoing commitment to quality and sustainability.

Let’s take a look back at how far we’ve come, highlighting eight key moments that have shaped Mount Gay’s heritage:

1703: Mount Gay was established

A deed stated rum began to be produced at a small distillery at the top of Mount Gilboa, later to be renamed Mount Gay. This heritage makes Mount Gay the world’s oldest running rum distillery.

1910: Eclipse launches

Eclipse was the first branded rum that Mount Gay released. Its name was given after the 1910 total solar eclipse visible over Barbados.

1980s: The Mount Gay Red Cap

Originally launched as a red visor, the iconic emblem of Mount Gay then became the Red Cap; considered today as a badge of honour in the sailing community.

1994: The First XO rum

The original and most awarded extra old rum was created by Master Blender Jerry Edwards. We’re proud to share that its legacy of excellence continues, recognized with two Gold Medals at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the 2025 International Wine & Spirit Competition.

2015: Mount Gay Expansion

The Estate acquires 324 acres of the historical Mount Gay and Oxford Estates. For the first time in centuries, the distillery was in full operation from cane to bottle.

2019: Recommission of the Coffey Still

This rare copper column still was originally acquired in 1926, then restored in 2019 to be one of the only two functioning Coffey Stills in the entire world. The 7th edition of the Master Blender Collection, the Coffey Still expression, is a tribute to Reynold Hinds, also known as Blues, for his extensive knowledge that allowed engineers to restore the historic still and its recommission. Today, we call it the Blues’ Still in recognition of this hero.

2019: First Female Master Blender

A trailblazer in her own right, Trudiann makes her mark as both Mount Gay’s and Barbados’ first female Master Blender, driving a legacy of bold innovation and expression.

2023: Single Estate Series Launches

The exceptional Single Estate Series launches in 2023: from soil to sip, this limited-edition series from Barbados featured 100% estate-grown sugarcane. We’re proud to continue this terroir-driven series with the 25_03 & 25_04 expressions being released late 2025.

From Barbados, the birthplace of rum, to your glass.