Mount Gay Rum: A Thrilling Experiment

As I sat down to write about Mount Gay Rum’s latest release, I couldn’t help but think about the rich history of rum and its connection to the sea. The brand’s new expression, Mount Gay Eclipse Navy Strength, is a thrilling experiment that pays homage to the naval history where rum played a crucial role aboard ships.

“When creating this new expression, I took inspiration from Mount Gay’s long history with sailing,” said Mount Gay Master Blender Trudiann Branker. “Given that Eclipse has been loved by sailors around the world since its launch in 1910, it made sense to experiment with the loved blend at Navy Strength. When I first tried it, I was blown away by the vibrancy of the flavor of the rum.”

The new expression is a 114.2-proof bottling matured between two to four years at the distiller’s headquarters in Barbados. The original Eclipse expression drew inspiration from the passing of Halley’s comet in 1910, while this new high-proof counterpart was designed as an ode to the rich naval history.

Navy strength spirits, popular in both the rum and gin category, derive their name from alcohol rations once given to sailors in the Royal British Navy. As legend has it, spirits were given a “proof” test that involved soaking them in gunpowder and attempting to light a flame. Though spirits typically ignite at around 50% ABV, modern interpretations of navy strength have settled on 57% as the definitive number.

Mount Gay Eclipse Navy Strength is available now at $29.99 and boasts notes of roasted pineapple, banana, mocha, and vanilla. Whether you’re a rum enthusiast or just looking to try something new, this expression is definitely worth a try.

Mount Gay Eclipse Navy Strength

The solar eclipse may have come and gone, but its impact on the spirits world is still being felt. Balcones Distilling and TINCUP Whiskey both released eclipse-adjacent expressions, with TINCUP going so far as to release its own line of eclipse-safe eyewear. New York’s Black Button Distilling took a different approach, releasing a purple-tinted Dark Sky Gin featuring a holographic moon on its label.

 A total solar eclipse

As I reflect on the world of spirits, I’m reminded of the importance of experimentation and innovation. Mount Gay Rum’s latest release is a testament to the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re a seasoned rum enthusiast or just looking to try something new, Mount Gay Eclipse Navy Strength is definitely worth a try.

 Rum and pineapple, a perfect pair