Rum - Mount Gay Black Barrel Double Cask Blend

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 In the glass is a new to me Barbados rum from the Mount Gay distillery. This spirit is blended from rums distilled in copper pots and column stills, matured in American whiskey casks then finished in charred bourbon barrels. Coming in at a 43% APV this rum shows gold in the glass with a hint of amber. A step up from the entry level Eclipse rum this spirit possesses smoke upon the palate no doubt from aging in charred wood. There is no age statement on the classic Mount Gay bottle and label but a little research indicates it is matured between three and seven years.

I definitely taste the bourbon influence in this rum but also some caramel and banana. Mouth feel is verging upon a harshness and there is a degree of roughness in the finish. Not unpleasant but I prefer a little ice melt to open up the spirit and smooth out the finish. One needs to ask whether it justifies the $60 CDN price point over it's Eclipse sibling that retails for twenty less dollars?

With an added ice cube I can sip and enjoy this rum but I suspect it would perform better as a mixer or in cocktails. If you can find it on sale it's a good buy for a solid performer. Otherwise look at the less expensive Mount Gay Eclipse, especially if you prefer your rum mixed with cola.

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