MOUNT GAY UNVEILS EXCEPTIONALLY AGED COLLECTION

A STORY OF TIME, CRAFT AND THE HERITAGE OF BARBADOS – IN TWO ULTRA-RARE EXPRESSIONS

Mount Gay, the world’s oldest running rum distillery, has launched its prestigious new series, the Exceptionally Aged Collection. 

Evolving from the pioneering spirit of the Master Blender Collection, this new series marks a brand-first with its emphasis on clear age statements, reinforcing Mount Gay’s unwavering commitment to transparency, innovation, and crafting world-class rums. The inaugural launch features two extremely limited rums: Exceptionally Aged 15 and Exceptionally Aged 25.

Master Blender Trudiann Branker shared her passion for the new collection, stating, “The Exceptionally Aged Collection is a profound tribute to the 320 years of heritage and to the generations of blenders before me, who possessed the vision to lay down these incredible rums. 

“With both the 15 and 25-year-old, we chose to honour that original vision by ageing them exclusively in ex-Bourbon casks, resulting in a desired intensity and complexity that beautifully matches the heritage we are so proud to carry. These rums offer a taste as close to what comes directly from the barrel as possible, a perfect representation of our legacy and the unique tropical climate of Barbados.”

The Exceptionally Aged Collection is a living legacy, born from the foresight and dedicated work of generations of Mount Gay Master Blenders who carefully laid down the spirits that would become tomorrow’s exceptional rums. Both expressions proudly adhere to Mount Gay’s uncompromising commitment to quality and are crafted without any added sugar or flavouring. Every drop is 100% distilled, matured, blended, and bottled at the Mount Gay distillery in St. Lucy, Barbados, imbued with the unique essence of our tropical island.

A Generational Legacy in Every Bottle 

This new collection embodies Mount Gay’s blend of artistry and innovation.

The journey of Exceptionally Aged 15 is a testament to continuous stewardship across generations. It began with former Master Blender Jerry Edwards, who skilfully distilled the rums on a single column still and carefully laid them down to age in ex-American oak Bourbon casks. 

The guardianship then passed to former Master Blender Allen Smith (holding the title between 2010 and 2019), and subsequently to current Master Blender, Trudiann Branker (since 2019). Each meticulously monitored the rum’s evolution. In 2025, Trudiann Branker brought this shared vision to fruition, meticulously crafting the perfect blend that proudly embodies the essence of a 15-year-old Mount Gay rum.

These extraordinary rums are available in Barbados and select markets across the Caribbean, the USA, Canada, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, for a limited time while stocks last.

A Sensory Journey

Each rum in the Exceptionally Aged Collection tells its own story, inviting rum drinkers to explore and savour its unique character.

Mount Gay Exceptionally Aged 15 is a blend aged for a minimum of 15 years in Barbados’s warm, tropical climate. At 43% ABV and non-chill filtered, THE NOSE shows aromas of zesty grapefruit, comforting buttery pastry, and banana, interwoven with notes of vanilla, plum, caramel, and a hint of cinnamon. THE PALATE offers a burst of butterscotch, vanilla, and caramel, followed by orange zest and cocoa nibs. This is complemented by red plum, banana, citrus, and red grapes, all balanced by a surprising touch of sea salt. It leaves a medium, rounded finish. This expression pairs beautifully with heartier dishes like grilled meats, rich dark chocolate desserts, or the nuanced flavour of aged cheeses such as Parmesan or blue cheese.

Mount Gay Exceptionally Aged 25 is a single-batch rum distilled in 1999 and aged for precisely 25 years, presented at 47% ABV and non-chill filtered. THE NOSE leads with vanilla and red fruits, complemented by rich caramel and harmoniously balanced with hints of citrus and dark chocolate. THE PALATE delivers a sensory journey through notes of raisin, warm cinnamon, and tangy citrus, leading to smooth toffee, roasted nuts, and orange zest. Expect subtle undertones of nutmeg, cocoa, and gingerbread, culminating in a long, silky finish that lingers elegantly.

Exceptionally Aged 25 pairs exquisitely with rich and savoury dishes such as roast duck or succulent pork belly and beautifully complements decadent desserts like pineapple upside-down cake or classic rum cakes.

Packaging: a tribute to Barbados

The packaging is a heartfelt tribute to Mount Gay’s Barbadian origins. The deep blue shades mirror the island’s surrounding ocean and sea breeze, while the soft cream colour recalls its pristine sand shores. Intricately embossed waves offer a tangible connection to the Atlantic Ocean, and a radiant glint of gold foil is reminiscent of the brilliant Caribbean sun.

The Exceptionally Aged 25 comes in an elegant gift box, completing a presentation that is a modern interpretation of a rich heritage. (PR)