"Rums" the Word

Upon meeting Rico, "Chico Rico" as he is affectionately called, you immediately understand why Mount Gay Rum remains one of the world’s top rums.

Chico Rico's passion for rum and his native Barbados, accented by his gentle island lilt, ensconced our tasting experience. After the tasting, I had a chance to sit down and talk with our "rumbassador", here is a bit of what he shared.

BLKWineExperience: Tell me, how long have you been in the Rum industry?

CR: I have been in it since I was young; I basically grew up in a rum shop. I have been with Mount Gay since 2019.

BLKWineExperience: What makes Mount Gay rum so special?

CR: The history and heritage. Mount Gay rum is produced from the highest quality natural resources only found in Barbados. Since 1703, Mount Gay has continued to stress quality over quantity.

BLKWineExperience: How are black rum makers and artisans celebrated at Mount Gay?

CR: Mount Gay does not shy away from the legacy that the rum industry has left in Barbados and across the Caribbean. But from strife and struggle comes resilience. The two can and do exist together in this beautiful representation of Barbados. There is an immense amount of pride for this hometown product across the entire island, especially from those who work across the supply chain or ‘rum family’. We are proud to say that one of our own, Trudiann Branker, is the first black and female master blender at Mount Gay.

BLKWineExperience: What are your aspirations in the Rum industry? Would you like to be a blender or have your own label?

CR: I am really into marketing and mass communications; I studied that in school. It is a goal of mine to represent world-class brands and Mount Gay gave me an opportunity to pursue this goal. I also think it is important to be able to tell the story of this important Bajan product.

BLKWineExperience: What would be your dream brand to represent in 5, 10, or 20 years?

CR: My dream brand would be the island of Barbados. Bajan people have so much to offer the world. We are some of the most resilient, smart, creative, and welcoming, which is reflected in our food, culture, behavior, and hospitality. Not only did rum originate here, but so did grapefruit, black belly sheep, Muscovado sugar, and the Bajan cherry to mention a few. I would love to travel the world and share our story so that people understand we are so much more than our beaches and resorts. I truly wish to be a cultural ambassador. I always find myself drawn to brands that reflect the richness of our little rock.

BLKWineExperience: I like that, a cultural ambassador. Does that role formally exist?

CR: Yes, Rihanna and Anthony “Mighty Gabby’ Carter are two of the most prominent Bajan Cultural Ambassadors.

BLKWineExperience: Is there anything I haven’t asked that you would want people to know about you, Mount Gay Rum, or Barbados?

CR: Absolutely! Believe in yourself, that you are great, and that the power of the universe is forever aligned with your greatness. In everything you do, hold faith, and trust the process.

BLKWineExperience: Chico Rico, thank you so much for your time and expertise. Cheers!