Mount Gay Black Barrel

I am beginning to think that bourbon is pretty much the key to all that is good in life. Consider: most Scotches are aged in bourbon barrels at one point or another, the excellent Hornitos Black Barrel tequila gets a unique finish in charred ex-bourbon barrels, and let's not forget... actual bourbon! And now this lovely offering from Mount Gay with its finish in heavily charred ex-bourbon casks. For me, this is better than Eclipse and considerably better than their standard expression. Lots of vanilla and oak here, excellent oily mouthfeel, some caramel notes, with a finish that lingers in the cheeks with spice and mild heat. Just marvellous. Though it makes a fantastic rum Old Fashioned, it's also very nice for sipping (not as fine as the El Dorado 12, but in the same league as far as balance and drinkability goes). Not super sweet like the Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva, but neither is it flat and one-dimensional like a bog standard mass-produced rum. I like that it's bottled at 43%, too. I was lucky enough to find this for just £16 (for a 1-liter bottle, no less) on a duty-free island. At that price, it's a no-brainer, so my rating is, accordingly, price-weighted.

2nd May 2019

Very over-priced for the quality (bland!) , I have had several tastier rums for less money. Doesn't hold a candle for Kraken 94, Cruzan Black Strap, Cap Morgan Private Stock, or Plantation 5-year. I wanted to like it too, because I'm gay LOL.

30th April 2019

I usually drink single malts however I was bought this as a gift and I’m not disappointed, no mixers needed here, just a little ice

28th March 2019

This is a superb rum even by eclipse standard, some years ago I became familiar with mount gay sugar cane brandy, and black barrel to my taste is very similar,in fact I wouldn't be surprised if this was a replacement for it.

16th January 2019

Honestly, I can't see what all the fuss is about. I was totally underwhelmed by this Rum. For me ... no real depth of flavour, hardly any nose at all, all a bit bland. Not bad by any means, but nowhere in the same league as Appleton Estate 12 year in the similar price range. I ended up blending some Appletons into this just to give it some flavour.

5th October 2018

Not quite as smooth as the regular Eclipse. Nice enough, I doubt I'd buy another bottle unless on offer.

29th July 2018

I’m not a rum guy normally, but this is both a smooth and complex liquor. Definitely deserves recognition as top shelf. At $27 I will buy again

1st July 2018

Beautiful - the gorgeous blend of creamy vanilla, sweetness and spice makes this very special. I bought this (in the Christmas office for £20) based on reviews and am very glad I did; returning to the shop in the next couple of days for another bottle based on this single glass is a strong possibility.

12th December 2017

Had my first glass - two actually - last night and was taken aback by its quality and distinctly different taste; spicey and earthy combined. Awesome!

12th August 2017

A bottle lasted me 2 days with a 2 litre Coke. Shame on me, but so good. A real winner if you like your Rum & Cokes

11th April 2017

Truly magnificent! Can't drink regular rum now. Great flavor with a hint of bourbon, which I love.

4th April 2017

Just trying now. I've paid only £17 pounds(thanks Gibraltar). Absolutely recommendable. It is strong in nose, however in mouth is smooth, spicy and with an incredible long finish. I beg your pardon but I'm lack of vocabulary because I'm not an English native. Or perhaps it could be because I'm speechless after tasting this overwhelming rum.

4th February 2017

I tried Mount Gay Black Barrel for the first time a few months ago and was "wowed" by the spicy flavor. I'm into my second bottle now. This fantastic sipping rum with a bourbon-like character is as close to perfect as I can imagine. And it's affordable! Do yourself a favor, and try some now. Cheers!

19th November 2016

Perfect! Huge mount gay fan

17th November 2016

The first time I tasted this Rum was at the factory in Bridgetown in June 2014 following a rather heavy night on Rum punch at Harbour Lights....let's face it, I was hanging! It was the most fantastic 'hair of the dog' I have ever experienced. What I like best about it is that it doesn't burn the throat on the way down like other rums/whiskies. It is very easy to drink straight as it is fairly sweet and spicy. Thoroughly recommended.

17th November 2016

Perfect is not appropriate word but...just perfect

3rd October 2016

Very very good. I am a massive Mount Gay fan and this just takes it to another level.

31st July 2016

I am not giving a star rating. This is the first bottle of rum I have ever bought. It is nice, very nice. In fact I've already had 6 ounces of it. 3 neat and three in an Old Fashioned (I was curious because it is very bourbon-y from the maturation). I will give a full review later. But initial impressions? I would say, for the price, this is worth the money, in the hope that it will open up over the course of the bottle.

8th June 2016

If you look at all the runs out there and see how a lot of them have added sugar, this one is real and authentic as it gets. Stock up now with the best kept secret in terms of aged rum within bourbon barrels. Will not disappoint.

5th April 2016

I don't know a lot about Rum but my husband received it as a gift. I enjoyed the spicy flavour and I also liked the after taste. I did not get the drowsy feeling I normally get after consuming alcohol.

15th December 2015

gotten on sale in PA (USA) for under $30...it's got all the expected characteristics you'd expect in a quality dark rum...heady nose of vanilla and slight spice...the subdued spicy note is perfectly melded with the demarera sugar bomb flavor is further carried over by the thick creamy mouthfeel and carried to a looping, eschatological edge by the finish... ;) recommended!

probably what The Most Interesting Man in the World sips when not sipping cerveza xxx ;)

25th July 2015

This is a delightful rum to drink .the taste of the spicey feeling it gives and the warm feeling as it goes down is a joy and the after taste and feeling makes this a rum that is something to appreciates as a really good rum to have in your collections of good rums another good rum from mount gay rums

30th April 2015

The pinnacle offering from the oldest rum house. Deep flavours between spice, fruit & vanilla. A real "must" for any palate. a true delight - where has it been for so long !

17th March 2015