Mount Gay is widely recognized as the world’s oldest rum producer and they don't seem to be too coy about it either.
On the front label, of the heavy bottle with a classic bubble neck, is printed a map of Barbados where it says Mount Gay has been producing rum since 1703, which would make the tradition of making rum over 300 years.
Appearance
Mount Gay Eclipse is gold with strong legs that after a swirl in the glass leave several small droplets behind once it has begun its slow descent deeper into the glass. The presence of the droplets and the strong legs give clues to the rums sweetness.
Nose
Indeed the nose has a strong presence of sweetness as well as alcohol that stings if you bury your nose too deep into the glass but not enough to make you turn back. Once you get past the alcohol a panorama of exotic fruits come to greet your nose, mostly dark fruits with the most notable fruit being dried plum. Brown sugar is detectable with a little vanilla on the side. I found the nose surprisingly complex for this rum.
Taste
When introduced to the mouth, Mount Gay Eclipse is cool and has a quickly disappearing taste of tequila. The taste has some of the sweetness and fruits that were introduced in the aroma, its quite smooth and has a decent burn in the throat but there is really no aftertaste to speak of. Infact Mount Gay Eclipse Barbados Rum is not at all that flavourful as one would expect from the aroma.
Mount Gay Eclipse as an Ingredient
Just because I wouldn't consider Eclipse a good sipping rum doesn't mean it is not good for anything else. Mixed with Coca-Cola, Eclipse adds quite a bit of freshness and fruitiness without adding too much sweetness to the Coke as some rums do.
Final thoughts
Although not very enjoyable on its own you may find use for it as an ingredient in rum and Coke and most certainly in the more exotic concoctions. I know I've enjoyed my share of Mount Gay Eclipse in various cocktails.
Buy from The Whisky Exchange or Master of Malt.
Details at a Glance
 | Details at a GlanceCountry: Barbados |  | ||
Other rum reviews:
Mount Gay Extra Old Rum
Mount Gilboa
Relevant articles:
Mount Gay Rum - The Oldest Rum Brand in the World
Mount Gay 1703 - The Superlative of Rum
Mount Gay Rum Club