Black Tot Rum 2024 Master Blender's Reserve is the fifth annual release of this remarkable series. For 2024, the brand focused on one country in particular, with rums from Barbados forming 60% of the blend. It’s aged in a combination of American and European oak casks and offered un-chill filtered at 54.5% ABV, with a total outturn limited to 3,000 bottles worldwide.
The nose is very elegant and well-balanced, the aromas seep out of the glass like a fine perfume. It starts with an incredible array of sweet aromas – pineapple cubes, fudge, coconut cream, strawberry laces, passion fruit syrup, mango, white chocolate, honey, butter… Let this nose breathe and it will reward you. In support, there’s oak, red chilli warmth, lime juice, and fresh herbs which bring complexity.
Some oak spice and nutmeg give a viscous palate a slightly prickly edge through which notes of red cola cubes, brown sugar, vanilla, caramel, Caroni-style engine oil, and a little peppermint emerge. Throughout there’s more fresh tropical fruit, with banana taking more of a centre stage alongside papaya, melon, mango, and pineapple.
The finish is slick and tongue-coating with liquorice and anise setting the tone. Dark chocolate, lime, warming vanilla-y oak, and the remnants of that tropical fruit salvo linger.
