It takes every drop of our heritage - past and present - to make Mount Gay rums. From the founding in 1703, to the legendary leadership of Sir John Gay Alleyne. To the digging of our first and only well. The well that still operates to this day, over 300 years later. To the single-strand fields of cane we’re planting at the estate today. It’s all part of Mount Gay. A story you can taste in every bottle. And a heralded rum heritage. This is more than a rum.
A bit of irony here. Mount Gay and our historic landscape was originally owned by John Sober - who inherited a small distillery at the top of Mount Gilboa in the St. Lucy parish of Barbados, far back in 1703.
Eventually, the Sober family hired Sir John Gay Alleyne - a fourth generation Barbadian - to usher in a new era for the distillery. His innovations and achievements were so profoundly successful that the Sober family renamed the entire distillery in his honour. And the world became introduced to a new name with a pedigree of excellence and craftsmanship. Mount Gay.
Inseparable are the natural elements of Barbados and Mount Gay Rum. Since day one, the water, cane and airborne yeast have combined to create our rums.
The process of refining the cane into sugar, then into fermented molasses is more than tradition, it is our most essential ingredient. It’s why Bajan rum is sought the world over. Adored throughout history by famous figures, such as George Washington. Awarded by connoisseurs and critics. Enjoyed at an island-pace by you and friends.
The 18th century was a time of oceanic exploration, discovery and pirateering. Many told stories of reaching the islands of the Caribbean. Of blinding white sands and waters of emerald and sapphire.
Many of these stories weren’t believed, unless said adventurers returned with bottles or casks of Caribbean rum - bona fide proof of a sailor’s journey.
To this day our unbreakable bond with sailing perseveres. Mount Gay is truly the world’s standard as the spirit of sailing. Whether you find us sponsoring a major regatta, or simply ready on the shelves below decks of your 22’ cruiser.
