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Mount Gay Distilleries has launched the newest limited edition expression in its Master Blender Collection, The Madeira Cask.
For this year’s release, which is limited to 2,706 bottles worldwide, Master Blender Trudiann Branker looked to Madeira, the beautiful Portuguese island off the coast of Morocco, which has been making an iconic fortified wine for more than 300 years. years. Using only column-distilled rum, she placed the liquid in Madeira wine casks six years ago, carefully observing how the rum ages over time.
She noted, “I was inspired by Madeira’s rich history and expertise in wine aging. When we column-distilled rum in these beautiful casks six years ago, I had a patient curiosity knowing that one day the juice from these casks would bring a whole new flavor profile to our signature rum. What developed really pushed my palate beyond what I thought Mount Gay rum could do and I’m proud to release Madeira Cask as this year’s Master Blender Collection.
Branker worked closely with her R&D team on this expression and said: “We revisited the Madeira wine casks that had been bottled in 2015 and found that the aging column distillate had an outstanding flavor profile and immediately we realized it was destined to be the next iteration of the Master Blender Collection.
“A step away from Mount Gay’s traditional blend of still and pot rum, the liquor presented a beautifully complex profile not often found in column distilled rums. We continued to monitor the flavor and aroma profile of the liquor, expecting the perfect moment to take it out of the barrels and bottle it.”
She added that the result is a velvety and generous blend that unfolds with each sip, “At first glance, the juice has deep golden hues, and upon opening, the nose reveals pear, oak, grapefruit, vanilla and butterscotch.
“On the palate, the bold distilled rum of the column is married to the subtlety of Madeira wine notes from the cask, including honey, grape, pear, citrus peel and dried fruit. This rum evolves over time, revealing layers of flavor during a tasting journey.”
Originally created as a celebration of the company’s rum-making heritage and expertise, the Master Blender Collection is released each year to showcase Mount Gay’s knowledge and passion for innovation.
The limited edition series debuted in 2018 with the release of XO: The Peat Smoke Expression, created by former Master Blender Allen Smith. Since 2019, when Branker took over as Master Blender, the award-winning expressions Pot Still Rum, The Port Cask Expression and Andean Oak Cask have been released.
The Master Blender Collection: Madeira Cask Expression, which is best enjoyed neat, is bottled at 55 percent ABV and is chill-filtered to preserve its rich aromas and natural color. This expression is available at the Mount Gay Visitor Center and select premium retailers in the 700ml size.
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