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The Bajan rum producer, Mount Gay, has been making rum for centuries, with a history dating back to 1493. The Mount Gay estate is located at the top of a ridge in the north of Barbados. This site was acquired in the early 18th century by William Sandford and was used as a sugar plantation. He named the estate Mount Gilboa. In 1747, the estate was inherited by his son with the ironic name James Sober. In the second half of the 18th century, James and his son Cumberbatch spent much time in England, making it difficult for them to manage their estate properly. Therefore, Cumberbatch entrusted his friend, Sir John Gay Alleyne, to manage the estate. Sir John died in 1801, and in his memory, Cumberbatch renamed the estate Mount Gay. The plantation remained in the Sober family until 1860. In the early 20th century, it was acquired by merchant Aubrey Ward. Together with his business partner John Hutson, he expanded the company and sold the product. Aubrey's son Darnely DaCosta Ward continued the business until his death in 1989, when the majority stake was purchased by Rémy Cointreau. The new French owner established an extensive distribution network for Mount Gay, which quickly gained popularity.