From the cane fields to the tasting glass, Mount Gay’s latest Single Estate Series release brings Barbadian rum-making – the world’s oldest – back to its roots. Heritage met innovation at the historic St Lucy estate on Tuesday as guests gathered to witness the official dual launch of the new series’ third and fourth editions.
One of the first stops on the journey brought together company executives, mixologists, industry figures, and guests where Mount Gay now cultivates approximately 324 acres of land.
Guests began the morning in the fields where the company’s agriculture and sustainability teams demonstrated the varieties of sugarcane grown for the Single Estate Series. The immersive presentation emphasised Mount Gay’s sustainable agricultural practices, including the use of effluent from the distillery for irrigation, crop rotation and organic mulching — methods aimed at preserving soil health while reducing waste.
As the journey continued, the story of Mount Gay’s commitment to innovation and tradition unfolded, with Master Blender Trudiann Branker’s passion showcasing the technical evolution and setting the stage for a deeper appreciation of how each element contributes to the character of the rum. This full-circle moment marks a historic feat for the distillery. Branker explained: “It means that for the first segment since the 19th century, the complete vertical integration of transforming sugarcane into rum is happening in one place on Barbadian soil. In doing this, we inverted one of our very journeys, where we were not able to give and to bring to Barbados a soil-to-sip story.”
Guests sampled freshly pressed cane juice, which Branker described as a sensory experience illustrating the subtle distinctions in how cane varieties influence rum flavour profiles.
She added: “Even though most of you know what sugarcane is and what it tastes like, sometimes what we miss are the nuances that each cultivar brings to the final organoleptic profile.”
Branker then introduced the two newest editions to the Single Estate Series: an unaged white rum distilled in a Coffey still and an aged, rich brown rum crafted in a pot still. Guests also had the opportunity to taste both expressions, each offering a unique snapshot of the estate’s terroir and distilling techniques.
Among those addressing the audience was the Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Nutritional Security Indar Weir, who underscored the wider national significance of Mount Gay’s investment in regenerative agriculture and value-added production. He described the story of Mount Gay as “rooted in seven fundamental pillars” that connect heritage, innovation, and economic growth. These include heritage reclaimed from soil to sip, revival of the sugarcane industry, craftsmanship, economic growth through heritage, ripple effects across sectors, innovation rooted in tradition, and the future of Barbados’ economic renaissance.
Weir also highlighted that the Single Estate Series can be used as a case study in sustainable economic innovation, noting: “By controlling the entire production chain from cultivation to export, Mount Gay ensures that all economic value remains within our borders.”
He described it as a “modern economic template for how small island states can leverage heritage industries to secure global competitiveness.” Concluding his remarks, he reflected on the broader cultural symbolism of the rum industry, calling it “the distilled embodiment of our national identity, our culture, our artistry, and our resilience. So, Mount Gay’s approach preserves our culture by safeguarding generational expertise and demonstrates how tradition can coexist with profit.”
As the launch came to a close, it was clear that the Single Estate Series is more than just rum. It tells a wider story of Barbados itself, showcasing full-circle craftsmanship and sustainability, with every stage highlighting a commitment to quality and environmental stewardship. Reinforced by Weir’s remarks, the event demonstrated how heritage, innovation and sustainability converge in a product that celebrates Barbadian culture while contributing to its long-term prosperity.
(DT)
The post Mount Gay marks historic full-circle moment with Single Estate Series launch appeared first on Barbados Today.
