Black Tot, Finest Caribbean. Blend comparison.
Original
New
Since its inception, Black Tot has paid homage to the legacy of naval rum with modern blending techniques and regional exploration. Black Tot’s Finest Caribbean release has been a firm favourite from newbies through to the very experienced. This year has proven to be an exciting one as we see the blend get updated to be even more vibrant and versatile, perfect for both sipping and mixing.
The new blend is an approachable all-rounder. We’ve layered Trinidad rum into our original blend – softer, sweeter and tropical fruit-driven — which makes our new Black Tot Finest Caribbean blend so versatile. Its depth of flavour is both for sipping and makes a strong base for building brilliant cocktails: we want to get more people into this incredible category”
Oliver Chilton, Master Blender
Naturally, as a long-time fan of the original, I had to sit down and compare the two side by side.
As is very standard for Black Tot we get to see the transparency in the breakdown of the blend – in both ratios and the rum components themselves.
In the original blend we saw:
- 35% of the blend come from Barbados – 5 years
- 40% was a 3-5 year old Guyanese rum
- A further 20% from Guyana, this part unaged
- Finally 5% from Jamaica with a 3 years old pot still.
In this newest release we see a lot of the original components that we know and love are still present, with some ratio changes (significantly less from Guyana and a smidge more from Barbados) but most notably is the addition of a 2-4 year old column still rum from Trinidad.
Another difference we see between the two? In line with Black Tot’s commitment to sustainability this bottle no longer comes presented in a box.
Nose
In the original – Raisins and cranberries take front stage with tropical notes playing a supporting role. “medium” aged wood with a sprinkle of white pepper. A little ethanol on the end.
The new blend – Vibrant pineapple and melon give this a juicy and tropical welcome. Lifted by some warm baking spices (ginger and cinnamon stand out). A slight acidic note cuts through.
I could imagine that if I were to write both of these in separate posts you’d see a lot of cross over between the two. I like to think of this as being the same cast, it’s just a case of everyone playing a different role to before.
Palate
In the original – This has a very gentle and juicy profile that carries a lot of flavour. Toffee, citrus (limes), raisins and baking spices are all present. The Guyanese part of the blend is undeniable but beautifully complimented by Barbados & Jamaica.
The new blend – There is more wood and astringency than I was expecting (especially on the finish). The tropical notes from the nose remain and add depth & flavour without imparting much sweetness. Lot’s of oak, ginger and brown sugar. Pineapple molasses, raisins and the skin of a grapefruit.
Despite the ratio of Jamaica remaining the same across both of these, the new blend feels a bit more Jamaican than before. The key difference between the two of these is in the more bitter (and less sweet) profile of the new blend.
Final comments
Are these worlds apart? Not really. The profile has evolved, as you can see in my tasting notes, but it still feels like I’m drinking a Black Tot… it just so happens that this has evolved to meet where my palate is today.
The verdict? The new blend just takes the win for me.
Original: 7/10 – At £40 this is undeniably a fantastic rum that is well worth the money. Good enough to sip and versatile in a cocktail.
New: 7/10 – Whilst I do have better ‘neat sippers’, this can stand alongside them at a much lower price.
My scoring system, explained
- 10: Exceptional. This is best in class and a firm favourite of mine.
- 9: Outstanding. Near perfection, a bottle I would be sad to finish (and very happy to restock!)
- 8: Excellent. An evening spent sipping this would be a very good one.
- 7: Great. Add to cart, no questions asked.
- 6: Very good. At the right price I would definitely buy a bottle.
- 5: Good. If someone poured me a glass you wouldn’t hear me complain.
- 4: Above average. Not quite good but better than some.
- 3: Average. Average at best, this isn’t offensive but equally not exciting either.
- 2: Not for me. This simply means it’s not a profile I find enjoyable; rather than a reflection of quality.
- 1: Not the spirit. This is a poor representation of the spirit.
