Mount gay distillery tour

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Water is readily available at the visitor centre.

  • Pace Yourself: The rum tastings can add up quickly, so pace yourself and don’t feel pressured to finish every sample. The tour is fun, insightful, and just the right amount of indulgent. It’s not just about tasting great rum — it’s about stepping into the heart of Bajan culture and seeing how the world’s oldest running distillery still does things ‘the right way’.

    Negotiate the farebefore setting off! Booking your tour in advance, especially during peak season (December to April), is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.

    What to Expect on the Tour: A Sneak Peek

    Regardless of which tour you choose, you can expect a fascinating journey through the history and process of Mount Gay rum production.

    Final Thoughts

    If you’re heading to Barbados and want an experience that’s part history lesson, part rum masterclass, and all-around unforgettable, the Mount Gay Distillery tour is a must. This allows you to enjoy the culture and cuisine along with the rum.

  • Pro Tip: Check the Mount Gay website Mount Gay Rum for the most up-to-date tour offerings, schedules, and pricing.

    Be sure to ask your tour guide for clarification. The tour also comes with a lowest price guarantee, ensuring customers get the best value for their money.

    With a maximum of 12 travelers per tour, the experience provides an intimate and personalized exploration of Harrison’s Cave and the iconic Mount Gay distillery.

    Booking the tour is a hassle-free process, allowing visitors to focus on creating unforgettable memories during their time in Barbados.

    Exploring Harrison’s Cave

    Visitors exploring Harrison’s Cave are treated to a captivating journey through Barbados’ subterranean wonders.

    This sea cave offers stunning coastal views and, depending on the tide, you can even swim in the natural rock pools inside the cave.

  • Food and Drink: Indulge in Bajan cuisine at local restaurants and rum shops. This is a fun and interactive experience.
  • The Full Signature Rum Tour with Lunch: This tour provides a more in-depth exploration of the distillery, including a visit to the blending room and a more extensive tasting of Mount Gay’s premium rums.

    While we waited for the full group, the staff handed out freshly mixed Rum Punch. Early morning or late afternoon tours are usually best to avoid crowds and the midday heat.

    Q: Are children allowed on the Mount Gay Rum Distillery Tour?

    A: Yes, children are generally allowed on the tour, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

    Sip it slowly, allowing the flavors to develop on your palate.

  • The Cocktail Magic (For Cocktail Tours): If you opt for the cocktail workshop tour, you’ll learn how to make classic rum cocktails like the Rum Punch, the Daiquiri, and the Mojito. Here's more nearby things to do in Barbados we have reviewed
  • The Spiritual Heart of Barbados

    Mount Gay, the iconic (and seriously delicious) Bajan rum isn’t just a brand – it’s history in a bottle.

    mount gay distillery tour

    Understanding what each tour includes will help you choose the one that best suits you:

    • The Signature Rum Tasting Tour: This is the most common and affordable tour, typically lasting about an hour. Go online right now and reserve your spot. Next, we moved into the molasses storage area, where the smell was thick, rich, and mouthwatering.

      This limestone cavern, millions of years in the making, showcases breathtaking formations, including towering columns, cascading stalagmites, and mirror-like pools.

      FormationDescriptionVisual
      StalactitesPointed rock formations that hang from the ceiling
      StalagmitesPointed rock formations that rise from the floor
      FlowstonesSmooth, flowing mineral deposits on the cave walls
      LagoonsDeep, clear pools of water that reflect the cave’s intricate structures

      Guests traverse well-lit walkways, marveling at the sheer scale and beauty of this underground masterpiece.

      Discovering Mount Gay Distillery

      After exploring the captivating underground landscapes of Harrison’s Cave, the tour continues to the iconic Mount Gay distillery.

      Guests will discover the history and tradition behind one of the world’s oldest rum brands.

      It includes an introduction to the history of Mount Gay, a guided tasting of several Mount Gay rums, and a demonstration of rum-making traditions. No photos allowed here — honestly, it wasn’t the prettiest part, but it smelled amazing.

      Fermentation – the life and soul of the party

      From there, the tour headed to the fermentation tanks — massive oak vats where the magic starts.

      While St. Nicholas Abbey produces rum, keep in mind it’s primarily a historical plantation with rum production as a secondary element, differing from Mount Gay’s primary focus.

    • Animal Flower Cave: Venture up north to the Animal Flower Cave. The drive from Bridgetown, the capital, is approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.

      For example, 80 proof is 40% ABV.

    • Angel’s Share: The portion of rum that evaporates during aging, due to the porous nature of oak barrels (particularly high in tropical climates like Barbados).
    • Nosing: The technique of swirling and smelling rum to identify its aromas and flavors.

    FAQ Section

    What is the best time of year to visit the Mount Gay Rum Distillery?

    The Mount Gay Rum Distillery is open year-round, so you can visit anytime.

    If you’re staying on the West Coast, expect a drive of around 30-45 minutes, while those on the South Coast will find it’s closer, about 20-30 minutes.