with Bar Lamp, Rum & Whisky Kyoto, D.Bespoke, Miles Whisky Bar & Rudder.

Singaporean independent bottler Malt, Grain & Cane (MGC) is one we've followed closely for awhile now, right from Day 1 actually, and it's been interesting to say the least to see how they've navigated their bottlings.

It seems that they've taken quite the liking to the purple colour as of late, as it seems that we'll be seeing a new series from them titled KyoMurasaki, which is shortened from Kyoto Murasaki, in reference to the colour Kyoto Purple. The idea here is to use the regal colour of Japan's old capital to demarcate a set of bottlings that will feature the photographic works of Singaporean celebrity photographer Russel Wong.

My favorite shot of the late chef. By Russel Wong. (Image Source: Russel Wong)

Russel Wong is of course famous for his portrait photography, having pictured everyone from the late chef and travel documentarian Anthony Bourdain, to the likes of actor Jacky Chan, Tom Cruise and pop stars like Madonna. He's probably Singapore's more acclaimed photographer, since my iPhone photos weren't accepted for international judging.

In any case, very, very cool.

Quite the feat to get this done.

The bottlings will be a continuation of Russel's exploration of Japanese culture and landscapes, having done a fantastic set of works documenting Geisha culture in a series titled "Russel Wong in Kyoto".

In this specific 22 Year Old Pure Single Barbados Rum bottling, the photograph of Japan's very popular Arashiyama Bamboo Grove has been captured by Russel in monotone, or black and white as you'd say.

But let's not let the star power have us forget that the contents of the bottle exist for judging as well. This 22 Year Old Pure Single Barbados Rum is marked "MG", which tells us its Mount Gay. Mount Gay is the largest distiller on the island of Barbados and has also been operating for over 300 years (which actually makes it the oldest rum brand in the world by the way). This bottling here has been aged 6 years tropically and then an additional 16 years continentally in Europe, and finally bottled at 51.9% ABV - very respectable.

It comes cutely attached with a traditional Japanese charm known as an Omamori - very fortuitous.

Mount Gay 2000 Pure Single Barbados Rum, 22 Years Old, 51.9% ABV  - Review

Tasting Notes

Color: Amber

Aroma: Densely rich, with sticky date pudding, figs, raisins, tobacco leaves, fruit cake - incredibly aromatic. This eases up into more uplifting aromas of fresh laundry, vanilla cream and white florals. More on this incredibly vibrant licorice and sarsi cola and root beer float. The florals evolve into more on heather honey and lavender. Does it ever stop?

Taste: A burst of fruit flavours - lychees and fresh longans, leaning more towards a vinous sensibility. More on vine leaves, black tea tannins, alongside a good heap of brown sugar, nutmeg and clove.

Finish: More on that sarsi cola and licorice. A touch of tinned lychees and fresh longan in syrup - incredibly estery. A touch of black tea and cola gummies. More on Japanese peaches and fruit nectar.

My Thoughts

My Rating: 👨‍🎨

This is some Picasso-level stuff!

Good lord is the finish splendid! This has all the markings on 2003 TDL’s and 2006 Foursquare - all those glorious lychees, longans and estery peaches, but without losing that signature Bajan sarsi cola. 

So much complexity, the aromas would throw you off - you’d have thought this was as good as it gets, and then on the palate you’re just absolutely floored. Those estery tropical fruits and leafy vinous tannins kept growing with each sip, accentuating and crystalizing.

It has a good texture as well, with a nice glowing warmth. 

Masterclass.

Available by the pour if you're ever in Singapore, at The Swan Song, or also available by the bottle via Malt, Grain & Cane.

Kanpai!

@111hotpot