The Mount Gay distillery has been active on Barbados since 1703, making it the world's oldest documented producer of rum. The brand name refers to Sir John Gay Alleyne, who led the distillery in the second half of the 18th century. Alleyne also enjoyed a career in politics, earning fame through his strong criticism of the practice of slavery. Mount Gay personifies Caribbean flair as virtually no other brand of rum can. Even today, it starts with rich, fragrant molasses derived from the finest cane sugar and the crystal-clear, coral filtered water of a private spring. All Mount Gay rums are known for their nose of ripe banana, sweet almond, vanilla and mocha aromas.