Mount Gay XO Review

This is a bottle that really needs no introduction, a benchmark Bajan rum from the oldest continuously operating rum distillery in the world, Mount Gay. This XO is a blend of pot and column still rums distilled from molasses. The blend is aged from 5 to 17 years in a combination of American whiskey, Bourbon, and Cognac casks before being bottled.

Nose: Caramel, Vanilla, Dried Fruit, Baking Spice Palate: Velvety mouthfeel, Toffee, Dark Chocolate, Oak, Baking Spice Finish: Short to Medium length finish, Oak, Spice, Toasted Almond

This is a classic for a reason. Mount Gay XO is a really solid and approachable rum that showcases the Bajan style beautifully. You get that wonderful balance of rich, sweet notes from the cask alongside the well-made distillate. While the finish is a bit shorter than I’d prefer, the nose and palate are rich and deliver exactly what you’d want from an extra-old expression. It’s a versatile bottle that is great for sipping neat but also has enough backbone to elevate a cocktail. It’s a worthy addition to any home bar and a great example of the quality the folks at Mount Gay consistently produce.