Mount Gay celebrates National Rum Day on August 16
Rum, the mysterious spirit hailing from the Caribbean has a day of its own: August 16th.
Why National Rum Day and why August you ask? Some say the timing coincides with the end of the sugar cane harvest on the islands.
In Barbados, the legendary birthplace of rum, the harvest ends with a huge party -- call it the mardi gras of rum.
Crop Over is a festival that is island wide with sights, smells and sounds that capture Bajan customs and tradition. Who could be a better advisor on how to celebrate National Rum Day than the producers of Mount Gay Rum, the rum that invented rum?
Chesterfield Browne, the global brand champion for Mount Gay Rum, suggests that you actually take the opportunity to 'taste' rum -- with your eyes, your nose and of course, your palate.
"Mount Gay Eclipse tastes much different than Mount Gay 1703 Old Cask Selection. They are both good, you just have different times of the day and occasions when you would enjoy them," he says. "I encourage you to explore the entire range," he added.
So with National Rum Day approaching, let's explore some of Chester's favorite recipes to celebrate.
Mount Gay Pride Of Barbados cocktail
Pride of Barbados
1.25 oz Mount Gay Extra Old Rum
.5 oz Mount Gay Eclipse Rum
1 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice
.25 oz Fresh Lime Juice
1 oz Allspice Syrup
4 drops Vanilla Extract
1 dash Angostura Bitters
Shake with 6 ounces of crushed ice and pour into Chimney Glass. Garnish with orange ribbon and serve with a straw.
Bajan Rum Punch made with Mount Gay Extra Old rum
Bajan Rum Punch
19 oz Mount Gay Extra Old Rum
4 oz Lime Juice
1 oz Angostura Bitters
12 oz Grenadine Syrup
13 oz Simple Syrup
1 tsp Nutmeg
18 oz Water
(Serves eight)
Mix the lime juice, water and sugar syrup. Combine the mixture with grenadine syrup and Mount Gay Rum. Add the Angostura Bitters and stir well. Sprinkle with grated nutmeg and garnish with a cherry
In the meantime, here's a toast to Killdevil, Rhum, Rum Bullion. This August 16th, raise your glass with a tippling of Mount Gay Rum.
Robert Burr
National Rum Examiner
Gifted Rums Guide
Miami Rum Renaissance Festival
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