Black Tot Finest Caribbean

This is quite the blend; 35% from 5-year-old Barbados pot and column still rums, 40% from Guyanese Demerara rum aged between 3-5 years, 20% from unaged Guyanese rum (both Guyanese rums are from a combination of pot and column stills), and 5% from a funky pot still Jamaican rum. No additional aging... It has a copper color, and after a swirl, it leaves a nice ring around my glass with legs slowly descending back to the bottom. Mmm, the smell... molasses, tropical fruits, bananas, spices. Nothing is overpowering, and there's no astringency. It's a little musty, possibly from the Jamaican rum. It tastes amazing, very creamy and warm. That's the initial impression. Then the flavors arrive: chocolate, banana, allspice, coffee. There's a lot happening here. It's flavorful, but not overly complex. It's smooth! The mouthfeel is rich, creamy, and warm. The finish is somewhat dry, with bananas lingering at the back of your throat. Overall, this is fantastic. If you see it on the shelf, get it.

A complex, blended Caribbean rum made from 40% Guyanan pot & column still aged 3 to 5 years, 20% Guyana pot & column still that’s un-aged, 35% pot & column still aged 5 years, and 5% Jamaican pot still aged 3 years; bottled at 46.2% ABV. Created by Sukhinder Singh, the founder of Black Tot. He acquired several original British Navy flagons from collectors, sampled their contents, and had them scientifically analyzed. He based his flagship Black Tot Rum on the original navy dram that gained worldwide renown. It has an aromatic beginning with notes of molasses and banana over a hint of espresso, dark chocolate, and anise; while an oily, tropical island character adds notes of old wood, banana, mango, pineapple, saltwater taffy, and hints of more coffee and cocoa; leading to a long and slightly off-dry finish. February / March 2021

Caramelized molasses scent from the bottle, but stronger alcohol, anise, and citrus peel -- perhaps a touch of ripe banana -- from the glass. Unusual. I don't perceive much flavor, but it does taste as though it has some Jamaican funk, which is more pronounced in a mixed drink. Bourbon notes are also present but not obtrusively strong. Ratings are based on neat sipping.

Nose: caramel, banana, exotic fruit Palate: exotic fruit, banana, vanilla Finish: banana It shows promise but is too young Nose: caramel, banana, exotic fruits Palate: exotic fruits, banana, vanilla Length: banana It has potential but is too young

Very powerful and distinctive. The flavor persists for a long time. Alcohol burn on the finish. Not my preferred rum.

Acceptable. Very comparable to South American rums. Less sweet. Slightly bitter but worth trying.