Barbados: Mount Gay Rum Tasting & Signature Cocktails Tour

Summary

Barbados rum tasting tour with cocktails, stories, and local flavor

You’ll taste Mount Gay rums with a local host in Barbados, learn about its history in a cozy museum space, and enjoy signature cocktails at their lively bar. Includes a welcome punch and time to shop for bottles you can’t find anywhere else—plus plenty of small moments you’ll remember later.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to start sipping rum before noon in Barbados, but that’s exactly how our Mount Gay Rum tasting kicked off. The first thing I remember is the smell — sweet, sharp molasses drifting through the open-air garden while our host (her name was Shari) handed us icy glasses of rum punch. She had this way of telling stories that made the whole group lean in closer, even when she teased us about not knowing our “pot still” from our “column still.”

The Mount Gay Rum Visitor Center isn’t huge or flashy — it feels more like someone’s family home than a museum. We wandered through their little legacy room where old photos hung crookedly on the walls (I liked that they weren’t perfect). There’s a short film too — not Hollywood stuff, but it actually helped me understand why everyone here seems so proud of their rum. The air conditioning was a relief after the sticky heat outside.

The real highlight was in the tasting room. Shari lined up three glasses for each of us and walked us through them one by one. I tried to pick out all those flavors she described — vanilla, banana bread, something almost smoky — but mostly I just enjoyed listening to her explain how each bottle tells a bit of Barbados’ story. Someone asked if we could buy these rums back home; she grinned and said some bottles never leave the island. That got a laugh from everyone.

Afterwards we hit the Signature Bar for cocktails (their Old Fashioned is no joke), and honestly I could’ve stayed there all afternoon watching the mixologists do their thing. If you’re thinking about this Mount Gay rum tasting experience from Bridgetown or anywhere else nearby, just know it’s not a distillery tour — more like an easygoing afternoon with good drinks and better company. I still think about that first sip in the garden sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mount Gay Rum Tasting Experience

• Meet Brand Host in garden
• Enjoy welcome Rum Punch
• Explore Legacy Museum history
• Watch rum production film
• Taste three Mount Gay rums
• Visit Signature Bar for cocktails
• Shop for rum and souvenirs
• Optional finger foods or lunch

Top questions

Is transportation included for the Mount Gay Rum Tasting?

No, transportation is not included in this experience.

Does this tour visit the actual Mount Gay distillery?

No, this is not a distillery tour—it takes place at the Visitor Center only.

How many rums are tasted during the experience?

The guided tasting includes four different Mount Gay rums.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; minimum drinking age is 18.

Is food available during or after the tasting?

You can purchase finger foods or lunch at the Live Grill on-site.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

What times do tours start?

Tours run at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm; last tour is at 2:30pm.

Can you buy exclusive rums at the Visitor Center shop?

Yes, some bottles are only available for purchase on the island.

What’s included

Your visit includes a complimentary welcome rum punch on arrival, guidance from knowledgeable local hosts throughout your time at Mount Gay Rum Visitor Center in Barbados, entry to their small legacy museum with a short film about production history, a guided tasting of four distinct rums with explanations from your host, plus access to their Signature Bar for cocktails and time to browse or shop for exclusive bottles before heading out again—all at your own pace since transportation isn’t included.