Rum’s Caribbean heritage goes way back to the 1600s so to be the world's oldest rum distillery takes some doing, and to still be at the top of their game is even more impressive. That honour goes to Mount Gay, who have just launched a new limited-edition rum: Mount Gay Eclipse Navy Strength. This release coincides with Cowes Week, a prestigious sailing event, highlighting Mount Gay's deep-rooted connection with the sailing community.
Established in 1703, Mount Gay has a rich history of crafting exceptional rums in Barbados. The new Eclipse Navy Strength, crafted by Master Blender Trudiann Branker, celebrates this heritage. Did you know that the term "Navy Strength" harks back to a time when sailors needed their rum to be potent enough to ignite wet gunpowder? This meant ensuring it was at least 57.1% ABV, the standard for Navy Strength.
"For this release, I took inspiration from Mount Gay’s long history with sailing," said Branker. "The history of navy strength spirits is fascinating and experimenting with the beloved Eclipse blend at navy strength revealed vibrant flavours. Whether with mixers or in cocktails, it is a delight."
First launched in 1910, Mount Gay Eclipse is renowned for its balanced and aromatic profile, featuring notes of vanilla, almond, ripe banana, and dark chocolate. This limited edition takes it a step further by incorporating older pot still rums aged between two to four years, enhancing its complexity. Bottled at the traditional Navy Strength of 57.1% ABV, Eclipse Navy Strength offers bold flavours of roasted pineapple, banana, mocha, and vanilla, all deliver with a big whack of boozy intensity.
It's a versatile expression that sounds like a lot of fun exploring over simply ice, but it’s perfect for classic and inventive cocktails alike. Mount Gay have suggested some tropical beauties that sound ideal for sunny sipping:
Navy Paloma
Ingredients:
1oz (30ml) Eclipse Navy Strength
3-4oz (90-120ml) grapefruit soda
Garnish with grapefruit slice
Method:
Simply build in a highball glass and garnish with grapefruit slice.
Navy Punch
Ingredients:
1 oz (30 ml) Eclipse Navy Strength
0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh grapefruit juice
0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
0.5 oz (15 ml) orgeat (or vanilla simple syrup)
1oz (30ml) filtered water (omit water if making a single serve, simply shake and strain over ice)
Method:
A classic batch punch, simply mix everything together with ice in a jug!
Fresh Coco Mojito
Ingredients:
1 oz (30 ml) Eclipse Navy Strength
0.75 oz (22.5 ml) simple syrup (1:1)
1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice
2 oz (60 ml) young coconut water
10 mint leaves
Method:
Lightly press mint leaves in the bottom of the shaker tin, add rum, lime and simple syrup and lightly shake. Pour into Collins or highball glass, add coconut water and crushed ice to top. Garnish with mint!
Mount Gay Eclipse Navy Strength is now available at Master of Malt for £35. This limited-edition rum not only honours Mount Gay’s maritime legacy but also delivers an elevated tasting experience for rum enthusiasts – a win for everybody. Celebrate Mount Gay’s storied past and vibrant present with this remarkable new release, a true testament to their enduring craftsmanship and innovation. Cheers to 320 years of exceptional rum, and to many more in the future.