The Mount Gay Rum Visitor Center On Barbados
Oldest Rum Distillery Tour Showcases Spirit's History and Production
May 30, 2009
From the calm water beaches of the western Caribbean shore to the rocky cliff's on the Atlantic side, Barbados has something for every tourist. Sunny skies and warm water combine with shopping, cricket and good food in this former British colony. The English-speaking residents call themselves Bajans, and one would be hard-pressed to find a more joyful, friendly population. One reason for this exuberant friendliness might be the island's 1,200 rum shops.
Rum on the Island of Barbados
Whether or not rum originated on Barbados is not certain, but the oldest known commercial distillery, Mount Gay, has been producing rum since 1703. The island was initially settled in 1627, and distillation of rum from the island's sugar cane probably began in the 1640s. Rum quickly became an important export, and was known as "Barbados water" in London by the end of the century. It also became a staple on British war ships, and has been associated with seafaring ever since.
Sugar cane flourishes across the island's 166 square miles, and the aromatic molasses produced from the cane becomes the distilled drink of choice for Bajans and tourists alike. Barbados rum is carefully crafted, and the premium labels are double-distilled. Kentucky bourbon White oak barrels are sometimes used to age the rum, and the final product can be as soft and complex as fine Scotch.
Connoisseurs look for hints of vanilla, coffee, chocolate, banana and almond, and favorites are debated in rum shops and restaurants across the island. Tourists will find a wide variety of colorful brands available in the rum shops and liquor stores, including Cockspur, Doorly's, E.S.A. Field, Gosling, Malibu, Mount Gay and Old Brigand.
The Mount Gay Rum Visitor Center
The Mount Gay Rum distillery operates a visitor center 5 minutes north of Bridgetown, the island's capital. The center is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and offers hourly tours beginning at 9:30 am. A basic tour lasts about 45 minutes and costs $7 U.S. Two expanded tours are also offered, one that includes lunch on the veranda after the basic tour, for $40 U.S., and a cocktail tour that is offered in the afternoon for $30 U.S. Both of the expanded tours require reservations, but the basic tours are open to walk-in guests.
The Mount Gay Rum Tour on Barbados
Tours start on the half hour on the veranda with a refreshing rum punch. Visitors are then led into a room designed as an historical rum shop, with posters and other replicas of the earliest rum-producing era. Knowledgeable guides introduce guests to the history and ingredients of rum, and a video presentation traces the development of the the Mount Gay distillery.
The tour concludes at a veranda bar, where guests are treated to a couple of tasting choices. A gift shop is also on site with product-related gifts as well as a full selection of the company's rums.
Rum has always been the most important product associated with Barbados, and island rums are found around the world. The tours at the Mount Gay Rum visitor center are one of many popular island tourist attractions, and provide historical as well as current information about this sugar cane-based liquor.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
