Black Tot 2022 Master Blender's reserve (47.5%)

Black Tot Master Blender’s Reserve 2022 is a special release inspired by the maritime history of the British Royal Navy. Until 31 July 1970 sailors received a daily rum ration — a date now remembered as Black Tot Day. The annual Master Blender’s Reserve releases pay tribute to that tradition and the classic Navy rum style.

Created by master blender Oliver Chilton for Elixir Distillers, the 2022 edition combines rums from Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago together with a portion of the brand’s perpetual reserve, which also contains a small amount of the historic Royal Navy rum.

The blend brings together multiple rum styles: deep Demerara character from Guyana, tropical fruit notes from Jamaica and Barbados, and richer spice elements from Trinidad.

The nose reveals melted chocolate, toasted hazelnuts and orange zest, followed by hints of ripe banana, raisins and tropical fruit. On the palate the rum develops layers of mocha, caramel, anise and warming spice such as cinnamon and nutmeg.

The finish is long and warming with lingering chocolate, spice and subtle oak.