Rum n' Ting

My entry for the 2015 Mount Gay Competition

The lady of the Manor is a drink that derives from the history of an original spirit, crafted in its roots from women in the slave trade. a historian Verene Shepherd found that after 1801 in Barbados women formed 53.3% of the enslaved sugar cane population

My bold expression of female slavery and tradition within the plantations is an ode to the dreams of the female slaves. Their dreams of freedom, the moments in the blazing heat where overworking would send them into delerium. They would look momentarily to the Plantation owner, sat on the porch of his manor, in the shade, overseeing the entirety of his work force, sipping a cool rum beverage. She would dream what her life would be if she were in his place, the Lady of the Manor. The hand crafted nature of the spirit is enlightened with my own hand crafted tinctures and syrups, peppercorn giving a rounded mouthfeel and orgeat providing a nutty zing, all rounded with citrus and a deep, dark muscavado base. As the Black Barrel expression was released to commemorate the brands 311 year history, i think it highlights a darker side to the trade reflected in the second maturation in charred bourbon oak. It is a drink to be enjoyed by all, remembering the history of Mount Gay during the time it was being produced.

Who doesn't love a really good rum cocktail... especially one thats got some depth and hearty elements that complement the rum. My entry didnt make it through to the regionals in Bristol but it had such fun researching and creating the drink. 

50ml Mount Gay Black Barrel

1tsp Dark Muscavado

5ml Orgeat

20ml Peppercorn Syrup

5ml Lime Juice

Orange Zest