Cocktail of the Month: Eclipse Rum Punch
By • April 3, 2024 0 1164
America will seem to forget about hate and politics for about five minutes on Monday afternoon. From Austin to Akron; from giant cruise ships off the Mexican Riviera to quaint canoes on New York’s Finger Lakes; from Hot Springs, Arkansas, to mighty Niagara Falls … People will pause and gaze at the sky. Folks will join together in awe as the moon blocks out the sun’s light over a strip of the USA, resulting a spectacular sight. Those in the path of totality will be treated to near darkness mid-day and a view of the radiating solar corona.
While an eclipse is a rare site to see, more than 100 years ago, the West Indies was treated to an astronomical double feature in 1910 with the occurrences of a total solar eclipse and the passage of Hailey’s comet over the skies of Barbados. To celebrate, the Bajan people did what they do best—make rum.
Eclipse rum, Mount Gay’s flagship brand was first bottled in 1911 in Barbados and named after the cosmic events of the year before. Today, it’s still one of the most interesting rums around.
Years ago, I had the opportunity to tour Mount Gay visitor’s center and learn how their rums are crafted. Their spirits are forged from molasses and water dredged from a 300-foot deep well that has been filtered through natural coral, then distilled in copper pot stills which operate in batches and column stills which operate on a continuous basis. The distillates are aged in charred oak barrels imported from Kentucky, which were once used to make bourbon. Eclipse rum is a mixture of these continuous and double-distilled rums.
When blended, Eclipse boasts clear tones of banana, summer fruit and vanilla with hint of caramel and almond. The organically filtered water imparts a crisp, clean taste while the barrel-aging process brings a distinctive oak flavor and golden color.
The Mount Gay brand is well-known throughout the world and a document dated Feb 20, 1603, makes it the world’s oldest continuously operating distillery. The isle’s long history with rum can been seen in the local rum shops (or bars) that seem to populate every turn. These are places where people gather day and night to share stories, commiserate, carouse and solve the world’s problems. Young and old alike put their differences aside and mingle in harmony.
Having been barreled for only two years, Eclipse rum is lighter and more accessible than the company’s heavier and longer-aged rums. If you visit Barbados, this is the rum you’ll see everywhere. Whether you’re in a five-star resort or at a tiny shack perched on the shore, you’ll see rows of Eclipse stocked behind the bar – it’s truly the go-to spirit. One reason is its versatility. This medium-bodied rum is complex enough to sip on its own but adaptable enough to star in a range of cocktails.
Possibly the most popular tipple is the Bajan version of rum punch, made with Eclipse rum, lime juice, simple syrup and Angostura bitters. The ingredients are shaken together to create sunset-colored mixture which is poured over ice then sprinkled with nutmeg.
This cocktail has just enough sweetness to bring out the nuances of the rum. The bitters and nutmeg highlight the complexity of the liquor while the tartness of lime gives the drink a brisk edge.
It could be said that in Barbados, they are still commemorating the 1910 solar every time they raise a glass. Perhaps America could follow the lead of their laid-back Caribbean neighbors and continue to unite together in the name of Eclipse. You’ll want to enjoy this sipper all summer long, through November and beyond.
Eclipse Rum Punch
2 oz Mount Gay Eclipse rum
1 oz simple syrup
2 oz fresh lime juice
3 dashes Angostura bitters
1 dash nutmeg
Mix the first three ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker and mix well. Add three dashes of Angostura bitters and shake lightly. Pour into a glass and sprinkle with nutmeg.
