147: Carrying on the Mount Gay Legacy with Trudiann Branker, Master Blender

Note: As a reminder, Rumcast Reserve bottles are officially available in stores and shipping from our online retailer! You can grab your bottles here.You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube.In this episode we sat down with Trudiann Branker to go inside her role as master blender at one of the rum world's iconic distilleries, Mount Gay. After taking over for former master blender Allen Smith, Trudiann has played a huge role in shaping the current era of Mount Gay and Barbados rum, from reformulating traditional blends to charting a new course with the estate rum program.We discussed:The surprise conversation that led to her becoming master blenderWhat it was like to create new blends for XO, Black Barrel, and moreThe making of a Master Blender Collection rumThe balance between tradition and trying new thingsHer philosophy as a blenderMount Gay's production processThe future of the estate rum programHer table tennis skillsAnd much more!This was one of our favorite conversations of the year, so we're excited for you to hear it!You can get more details on the rums discussed in this episode on Mount Gay's website.Catch up on our past episodes with others from the Mount Gay universe:Dr. Frank Ward Talks Barbados Rum, Mount Gay, and MoreInside Mount Gay's Estate Rum & Agricultural Program with Jacklyn Broomes and Maggie Campbell