Description
Mount Gay XO Peat Smoke Expression 700ml is a cask-strength Barbados rum from Mount Gay, bottled at 57% ABV. Master Blender Allen Smith took a blend of pot and column still rums aged between 8 and 15 years in ex-bourbon casks, then finished it in casks that had previously held peated Islay whisky.
Buy Mount Gay XO Peat Smoke Expression Online in NZ
Mount Gay traces its history on Barbados back to a property deed from 1703, which makes it one of the oldest rum names still in production. Its XO is a long-aged blend of pot and column distillates, and this release takes that style in a new direction by bringing in smoke from Scotch whisky casks.
Rum and whisky have long shared barrels, since most aged rum spends its life in casks that once held American whiskey. Here the second cask is a peated Islay whisky barrel, so the finish adds a layer of smoke, salt and dried fruit to Mount Gay’s usual toffee, vanilla and spice. This bottling was released in 2018.
At 57% ABV it is a strong spirit, so pour a small measure into a tulip glass and add a few drops of water to open it up. It suits a slow sip after dinner with dark chocolate, smoked cheese or a date and walnut tart.
- Barbados rum from Mount Gay, bottled at 57% ABV
- Pot and column still rums aged 8 to 15 years
- Finished in peated Islay whisky casks
The nose opens with hickory smoke, leather and maple, with vanilla and a little citrus behind. On the palate the peat shows as burnt toast and smoked almonds, then tobacco, raisins, cinnamon and ripe red apple, with oak, caramel and a salty edge. The finish is long and warm, with cherry, smoked chilli, orange and treacle.
The result sits between two worlds: there is enough sweetness and fruit to read clearly as aged rum, and enough smoke to interest an Islay whisky drinker.
A considered bottle for rum collectors, peated whisky fans curious about rum, or a gift for someone who enjoys strong, complex spirits.
