Features Focus Regional Mount Gay releases special rum Barbados Today22/02/20230307 views Managing Director Antoine Couvreur and Global Brand Director Laurent Cosson proudly observe the proceedings. To mark its 320th year of existence, Mount Gay Distilleries has released its first distillery exclusive cask strength blend. During the official launch at Worthing Square on Monday, Antoine Couvreur, Managing Director of Mount Gay, told attendees that as the company marks the momentous occasion, it was important for them to continue on their drive to develop the best rums found anywhere in the world. “As we celebrate our 320th anniversary today, we are not for one minute resting on our laurels, rather, we are continuing on our ongoing quest to produce the best rum in the world. To mark this very special milestone, I am pleased to announce that we have added to our portfolio of special and limited editions, with the launch of our first distillery exclusive, Mount Gay Black Barrel Cask Strength. Global Brand Director Laurent Cosson and Managing Director Antoine Couvreur share the company’s anniversary cake. “This unique blend, created by our very own Master Blender Trudiann Branker, will only be available in Barbados at our distillery or Visitor Centre,” he explained. The new 66 per cent alcohol per volume (ABV) blend, is distilled in copper pots and column stills, similar to the original Black Barrel, then matured in American whiskey casks and finished in charred Bourbon casks. Branker, the distilleries’ Barbadian Master Blender said that the new addition to the company’s collection is a fitting showcase of the innovation and creativity for which the brand has been known for many years. Staff and guests enjoyed the celebrations. “It really does go to show that over the last few years, Mount Gay has really embodied what it takes to innovate, to change, to adapt, and really and truly to appeal to everyone. For this exclusive specifically at 66 per cent, is an opportunity for everyone to taste and to understand what is happening in the cask. This worker is being offered a chance to sample the exclusive cask strength blend. “For me it’s very interesting, it’s quite the opportunity to really flex our muscles and to be able to release something this bold and then say to everyone they have to come to us to get it.” Only 1 500 bottles are currently available in the first batch of the new special edition, and it’s only on offer at the company’s distillery in St Lucy, and the Visitor Centre at Brandons, St Michael. (SB)