Mount Gay Rum Unveils 4th Single Estate Expression
Mount Gay has introduced the fourth expression of its Single Estate Series, the 25_04_Vt19dp rum.
Made by Master Blender Trudiann Branker, this limited release, also referred to as 25_04, continues the terroir-driven series with a blend of rums produced from the 2019 Mount Gay Estate sugar cane harvest in St Lucy, Barbados. This liquid is the second single harvest year rum in this series, after 24_02_Vt18d2.
In 2015, Mount Gay acquired 324 acres of the Mount Gay and Oxford Estates, and for the first time in centuries, the distillery was again a fully vertically integrated operation from cane to bottle. Since then, the team has harvested Estate sugar canes each year, transformed them into molasses, before fermenting, distilling and ageing the distillates at the distillery.
As with the first three releases of the Single Estate Series — 23_01_BnQa, 24_02_Vt18d2 and 25_03_Vt24CF — the Mount Gay Estate has been continuously looked after by Branker. This time, she decided to capture the 2019 harvest.
“Made with 100% sugar cane grown on the Estate in St Lucy, Barbados, 25_04 further illustrates our bond to Mount Gay’s heritage and terroir,” says Branker. “25_04 is a continuation of the Single Estate Series, following in the footsteps of 24_02, coming from just one year of harvest. What makes 25_04 interesting and special is that it specifically reflects the unique character of Mount Gay’s Estate on the single year 2019, which is the year when Mount Gay started integrating regenerative agriculture. Throughout the 2019 harvest season, the island witnessed the unique essence of Barbados’ golden hour and the warm Bajan sunsets, which embraced our harvest.”
“This warm Bajan golden hour landscape is reflected in the stunning orange label, 25 representing for the release year, 04 for the release number in the series,” she adds. “Vt19 refers to the single year sugar cane harvest from 2019 used in this expression, and dp stands for the blending of distillates from two distinct pot still distillations.”
For this release, the Mount Gay team fashioned a sunset-inspired orange label, meant to shine against the enigmatic dark glass of the bottle. Each bottle features a QR code, letting consumers delve into the rum-making journey from start to finish.
The eco-designed packaging reflects the brand’s commitment to sustainability, according to the distillery, with 700g, 70% recycled glass bottles. Minimal ink was used on labels, instead utilizing QR codes which lead to a dedicated webpage featuring more information.
Mount Gay Single Estate Series 25_04_Vt19dp is a blend of two pot still distillations combined into one expression, making it a 100% double pot distilled rum. The blend matured for five years in American oak (Quercus Alba) ex-bourbon barrels. Mount Gay Single Estate Series 25_04_Vt19dp had a fermentation process that lasted on average nine days.
The nose has hints of green apple and red fruits with the fragrance of white roses and jasmine, as the scent evolves with the presence of toffee, vanilla and the spice of gingerbread, according to distillery notes. Earthy notes and the freshness of cut grass pair with the presence of oak. The palate reveals cherry and red fruits, followed by a salty smokiness, oak and floral tones. A slightly bitter note adds depth, with caramel and red fruits.
Bottled at 55% ABV, Mount Gay Single Estate Series 25_04_Vt19dp is non-chill filtered. This expression will be limited to 2,754 bottles worldwide, with only 312 available in the U.S. at select retailers, sold in 700-ml. sizes for $350 USD.
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