Frequently touted as one of the best affordable rums out there, this Mount Gay Black Barrel review takes a look at whether that’s actually the case. I managed to pick up a bottle from ASDA for reviewing, so it’s fairly accessible at least.
Mount Gay Black Barrel Review
Mount Gay distillery has been around for donkeys’ years, which when you consider they set up back in 1703, is a LOT of donkeys. Their entry level mixing rum, Eclipse is omnipresent in supermarkets up and down the country, but their two other core expressions, Black Barrel and XO are a tiny bit trickier to get hold of.
There’s no age statement on Mount Gay Black Barrel, but I’ve heard whispers that it could be a blend of 2 to 7 year old rums being used here. The main gist of Black Barrel is that it’s been aged in ex-bourbon barrels that have had their inner walls charred and blackened. This is no doubt an attempt to lure whiskey drinkers over, who will have seen several distilleries trying the same trick with their malts.
How Much is Mount Gay Black Barrel?
This one jumps around a bit. You’re looking at anything between £20 to £45, which is quite a difference. I picked up my bottle on offer at £22. I certainly wouldn’t want to pay more than £30.
On the Nose
It is actually kind of woody. There’s also a note of cinnamon somewhere in there.
Is Mount Gay Black Barrel Suitable for Sipping?
Yes, and in contrast to their cheaper Eclipse expression, Mount Gay intend for this one to be sipped. I fear that the charred barrels have been wasted on me though. I can’t really pick up too many flavours as the spiciness of the burnt wood is covering up everything else. Perhaps there’s some almonds, burnt almonds.
Is Mount Gay Black Barrel Suitable for Mixing?
I bet it would be, you know. I reckon with a mixer softening that spiciness, the woodiness would really pull through into citrus-heavy drinks.
Mount Gay Black Barrel Review – Verdict
A bit of a disappointment for me. I like burnt food, but that charred spiciness doesn’t do anything for me in drink form. I’d have maybe liked it more if it had a smokey element to accompany it. Alas there’s nothing else but the wet taste of burnt barrels. A lot of people swear by this stuff though, so if you like it peppery, it’s probably worth a go. Not terrible, just a bit meh. 4.5/10
You’ll Probably like Mount Gay Black Barrel if You Already Like…
Licking old oven trays, peppery whiskies, Mount Gay XO
Has all that chat about charred barrels got you in the mood for a smokey rum? There’s a wisp in 12-year-old Appleton Estate.
After something a little smoother? Take a look at Duppy Share rum.
Maybe you’d prefer something that tasted more like a dessert. Take a look at this Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva review.