A Tribute to Blues: The Limited-Edition Coffey Still Expression By Mount Gay

• Mount Gay launches copper Coffey Still expression as the seventh edition in the Master Blender Collection. 
• The first distillation released since the still was recommissioned in 2019, this rare 100% copper Coffey Still operates as one of three globally. 
• In tribute to late Distiller Reynold ‘Blues’ Hinds. 
• A limited edition of 5,004 bottles tropically aged in heavily charred ex-Bourbon casks for four years. 

Mount Gay proudly introduces the seventh limited edition in the Master Blender Collection: The Coffey Still Expression. This bespoke release is the first Coffey Still release by Mount Gay since the still was recommissioned in 2019. This edition is in Tribute to Blues, celebrating the legacy of the late Distiller who was a pivotal figure at Mount Gay in his career spanning over 50 years. 

As the World’s oldest running rum distillery, Mount Gay is passionate about the heritage of rum. This years Master Blender Collection offers a glimpse into how rum was made back in the 19th century when the Coffey Still was invented, bridging the gap between history and modernity. One of the first types of column stills invented, the distillery has a rare 100% copper Coffey Still that operates as one of three globally. In disrepair for decades, the still was recommissioned in 2019 and this is the first time a distillation has been released since. 

This would not have been possible without the work of Blues, also known as Reynold Hinds. An icon in the field of distillation, Blues worked at Mount Gay for over 50 years, creating the liquid loved today and teaching the art of distillation to many. It was Blues’ extensive knowledge that allowed engineers to restore the historic still and its recommission in 2019, which otherwise would have been lost. Today, it is called the Blue’s Still at Mount Gay in recognition of this hero. He contributed immeasurably to the craftsmanship of Mount Gay until his passing in 2021. This release is in Tribute to his legacy. 

To honour the historic distillation on the Coffey Still, this release is made using 100% molasses from Barbados. The single batch of copper Coffey Still rum has been tropically aged in St Lucy, Barbados for four years in heavily charred ex-Bourbon casks, bringing out rich oak and honey notes. The result is an incredibly floral and round rum. At first sight, the rum has golden hues. As it opens, the nose is full of pear, vanilla, nutmeg and light leather aromas. The palate brings grapefruit, oak, honey and lightly spiced notes of cinnamon with layers of aromas that open up with every sip. 

Master Blender, Trudiann Branker, the creative force behind this release, chose to showcase the rare copper Coffey Still distillation. Branker said, "Crafting this expression was a journey into the heart of Mount Gay's history. Blues' influence on the rums we all enjoy today is immeasurable, and this release is a tribute to his legacy and the craftsmanship that defines Mount Gay.”. Branker's selection highlights the distinctive character of this copper column still, producing a rum with floral aromas and notes of pear, grapefruit, and honey. 

Managing Director, Antoine Couvreur said, "This release is not just a new expression; it's a heartfelt tribute to Blues, a beloved member of the Mount Gay family. His spirit and expertise continue to influence our craft, and this is our way of preserving his legacy." 

The Coffey Still Expression is best enjoyed neat. 

The Master Blender Collection: The Coffey Still Expression is bottled at 58% ABV and is non-chill filtered in order to preserve its rich aromas and natural colour. This expression will be limited to 5004 bottles and will be available at select premium retailers throughout the world in 70 cl size for US$240 RSP. 

Notes to Editor 

Information: 

• Limited to 5,004 bottles
• 58% ABV
• Natural Color – No coloring added
• Non-chill filtered 

Tasting Notes: 

• Appearance: Golden straw
• Aromas: Pear, vanilla, nutmeg, leather 
• Palate: Grapefruit, oak, honey, cinnamon 

About Mount Gay: 

Mount Gay is the oldest running rum distillery in the world, established in Barbados in 1703, the birthplace of rum. Founded and located in the Parish of St. Lucy, at the northernmost tip of Barbados, Mount Gay is cra?ed using pure coral-filtered water from our well, only dug once, and the finest Barbadian and Caribbean molasses. 

Celebrating over 320 years of heritage and expertise, Mount Gay rums are a fine balance between science, art and innovation. In 2019, Mount Gay made history, appointing Trudiann Branker as the first ever female Master Blender in Barbados. The Master Blender is the head behind all Mount Gay blending and innovations. 

Aged under the influence of Barbados’ tropical climate, from soil to sip, our rums highlight a unique, rich and flavourful character. Distilled in traditional double copper pot and copper column stills, Mount Gay rums are aged in a diverse selection of casks including American whiskey, Bourbon and Cognac. The Mount Gay core range includes Mount Gay Silver, Mount Gay Eclipse, Mount Gay Black Barrel, Mount Gay XO and Mount Gay Single Estate Series, alongside limited-edition collections, such as The Master Blender Collection. 

In addition to crafting the World’s oldest rum, Mount Gay is committed at all times to the use of sustainable and transparent practices in order to realise our vision of environmental stewardship, sustainable agriculture and carbon neutrality.