Rum-based cocktails elevated to a new level in Singapore with Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum
December 22nd, 2014
One of the major trends in the global cocktail and spirits scene in the past few years has been the surge in demand for premium quality rums – served both in cocktails, and as a fine spirit to be appreciated neat. Recently introduced into the Singapore market, Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum is a premium, limited production rum from the renowned Barbados-based rum producerMount Gay Rum. Founded in 1703, Mount Gay Rum is the world’s oldest refined rum brand with over 300 years of continuous production, acclaimed for the traditional distillation and blending techniques that have been passed down through the generations on Barbados.
For the premium Black Barrel Rum, the Master Blender at Mount Gay Rum has complemented the hallmark double distillation processes with ageing in charred bourbon oak barrels to impart unique levels of complexity that create a rum with a well-balanced blend of bold spicy aromas and distinct smokiness. Well-suited for crafting cocktails, the complexity of flavours facilitates the creativity of a new generation of adventurous mixologists.
Bartenders of two venues at the forefront of Singapore’s evolving cocktail culture – SUGARHALL and JEKYLL & HYDE – have embraced Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum to create signature concoctions and engaging new drinking experiences.
Sugarhall – with senior bartender Jerrold Khoo
At the cutting-edge of Singaporean drinkers adoption of the global trend for rum-based cocktails, Sugarhall opened in mid-2014 as the city’s first rum-centric bar. With its bar shelves stacked with over 70 different rums, Sugarhall’s knowledgeable bar team have created a well-crafted list of rum cocktails offering a tantalizing variety of flavour profiles and taste experiences.
Jerrold’s Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum cocktails
Asked about the taste profile of Mount Gay Black Barrell Rum, Sugarhall head bartender Jerrold Khoo notes – “I find that Mount Gay Black Barrel has a lot of edge to it – I picked up big notes of banana, mocha, almond and vanilla, which naturally goes well with spices in the Black Spice Sour cocktail. Also, the savoury notes from the fish sauce bitters complements the roundness of the sweet nutty notes. Black Barrel also has a bit of dark notes to it, which leaves a pleasant aromatic finishing. The blend of double and single distillates create a rounded texture, making it an all-rounder rum to sip or mix with”.
Jekyll & Hyde – with bartender Jeremie Tan
Squirreled away behind a nail salon on Singapore’s fashionable Tras Street, Jekyll & Hyde has established a solid reputation for accomplished mixology since its launch in late 2013. The intimate space at the rear of a restored shophouse, with a pared back decor and convivial bar team, exudes a relaxed and unpretentious vibe. Focusing on artisan spirits and bespoke cocktails, Jekyll & Hyde is a popular destination for discerning cocktail fans. In addition to their imaginative made-to-order cocktails, a quarterly cocktail menu showcases a tight list of themed cocktails.
Jeremie’s Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum cocktails
For his signature cocktail Asian Ice Tea – a twist of a classic Long Island Ice Tea – Jeremie uses Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum, mixed with homemade cola syrup, Dissaronno almond liqueur, ginger and topped with ginger ale. Asked why he likes using Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum in his premium cocktails, Jeremie states that “Mount Gay Black Barrel has unique tasting notes of vanilla and toasted almonds, and I use a little almond liqueur to bring out the extra flavours of the rum as well”.
SUGARHALL – 102 Amoy Street, Singapore. Tel: +65.9732 5607 www.sugarhall.sg/
JEKYLL & HYDE – 49 Tras Road, Singapore. Tel: +65.6222 3349 http://49tras.st/
