Mount Gay has been distilling rum in Barbados for about three centuries, making it one of the oldest distilleries in the world. The Mount Gay lineup ranges from a standard silver and amber rum to the 1703 Old Cask Selection. Somewhere in the middle lies Mount Gay Extra Old.
Mount Gay Extra Old (XO) is a blend of rums aged up to 15 years in Kentucky oak. It has a deep amber color and an aroma of vanilla, banana and toasted bread, plus some fruity spice. Tasting the rum brought flavors of sweet vanilla, peppery spice and lots of oak. The finish is long, warm and soothing, with some sweet fruit and spice lingering at the end.
At 86 proof, Mount Gay XO is a really smooth sipper. It’s a bit oily on the tongue and goes down easily. An ice cube mellows the spice but is unnecessary, and there’s basically no burn. While it’s worthy of drinking neat, it also works well in cocktails like a rum Old Fashioned, El Presidente or Egg Nog.
Stats:
– 43% Alcohol by Volume
– $45
CE Rating: ★★★★
