Last year Barbados-based Mount Gay Distilleries, the makers of one of the world’s oldest rums, released a special limited rum edition to commemorate the Caribbean island’s 50th year of independence. That rum, the XO Cask Strength, is now available in Singapore.
Barbados, first colonised by the Spanish in the 15th century and later by the British from 1625, achieved its independence from the British in 1966; to celebrate the island country’s 50th year of independence rum makers Mount Gay created a special blend called the XO Cask Strength, at a very limited run of just 3,000 bottles worldwide.
Mount Gay master blender Allen Smith created the XO Cask Strength as a liquid reflection of the Caribbean country’s rich culture and personality. “This is our tribute to the spirit of Barbados, the original birthplace of rum, and the people that make this island so unique,” shares Smith.
“To taste XO Cask Strength is to experience everything that fans love about XO, but it gives connoisseurs the special opportunity to enjoy the truest intensity of XO aromas straight from the casks,” he adds.
Lest you think its just a souped-up version of the award-winning Mount Gay Extra Old (XO), Mount Gay brand ambassador Miguel Smith assures us that the XO Cask Strength is actually a different blend that comprises of some of the most prized stocks the distillery has to offer and has more in common with Mount Gay’s ultra-premium 1703 Master Select than the core XO expression. And true to its name, the XO Cask Strength is one of the very rare releases from Mount Gay that is available in cask strength – clocking in at 63% ABV – and far above its usual 40% to 43% expressions.
Each bottle comes in a stunning keepsake wooden box with a beautifully designed booklet that will take readers through the history of the rum’s inception in Barbados. A portion of the sales from every bottle sold goes to the Barbados Museum and Historical Society in support of its efforts in conserving the significant and inspiring history and culture of Barbados.
Alas, Singapore rum connoisseurs won’t be able to buy a bottle of the Mount Gay XO Cask Strength; this high proof sipping rum is only available by the dram at specialist rum bar Sugarhall at S$50++ per 45ml dram.
