Mount Gay Visitors' Centre
About This Museum
Just off the bustling Spring Garden Highway, the scent of molasses and oak hangs in the Barbadian air, a permanent welcome to the Mount Gay Visitors' Centre. This isn't just a museum; it's the operational heart of the world's oldest running rum distillery, where you can watch modern copper pot stills work their magic before stepping back in time. The experience is a full sensory immersion into centuries of craft, culminating in a tasting that tells the story of each distinct blend. It’s a pilgrimage for spirit enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Collection Highlights
You'll see the original copper pot stills from 1703 and peruse historic ledgers signed by Sir John Gay Alleyne himself, whose name became synonymous with the brand. The tour brilliantly connects these artifacts to the rum in your glass, making every exhibit feel immediate and relevant.
Visitor Information
You'll definitely want to book one of their guided tours in advance—they're the only way to get the full story and, more importantly, the tasting at the end. Options range from a straightforward tour and tasting to more elaborate experiences that include a delicious Bajan lunch.
Architecture & Building
The center is housed within the distillery's functional, sun-bleached industrial buildings, which blend classic Caribbean stonework with practical, modern additions designed for welcoming guests.