Gabrielle Lim
Google
Our Signature Tasting Session at the Mount Gay Visitors' Center was a delightful introduction to Barbados's rum heritage. From the moment we arrived, the reception staff were warm and welcoming, setting a positive tone for our visit. We were immediately greeted with a delicious rum punch, a perfect start while waiting for the group to assemble.
The tour began with an engaging overview of Mount Gay's history and its significance to Barbados, showcased through a display of vintage bottles and informative panels. Our guide was knowledgeable and passionate, providing detailed explanations and emphasizing the groundbreaking fact that Mount Gay is home to the first female Rum Master in Barbados. This was a particularly fascinating detail, highlighting the distillery's progressive approach and the rich history of rum-making on the island.
Following the historical introduction, a short film upstairs further illuminated the rum-making process and the island's history. Then came the tasting! We sampled four distinct rums: Silver, Eclipse, Black Barrel, and XO. Our guide expertly walked us through each one, explaining their unique characteristics and offering tips on how to best appreciate the nuances of flavor.
Overall, the experience was highly enjoyable, and our tour guide was exceptional. The only slight drawback was the large group size, which made the experience feel less intimate compared to other rum tours we've taken on the island. However, the quality of the information, the delicious rum, and the welcoming atmosphere made it a worthwhile visit. We'd definitely recommend it for anyone interested in learning more about Mount Gay and the rich history of Barbadian rum, including the impressive story of their pioneering female Rum Master.
