Black Tot, Master Blender’s Reserve 2021
As regular readers of the blog will know, I’m a big fan of Black Tot as a brand. The Master Blender’s Reserve 2021 was my first from their annual limited release series, and I’ve since managed to add every bottle (bar one) to my collection. As this bottle predates my blog it’s time to take a look back at it.
Black Tot takes its name from Black Tot Day, the 31st of July 1970, when the British Royal Navy abolished its daily rum ration after over 300 years. The brand is built around that history, and the Master Blender’s Reserve continues a tradition of perpetual blending, where each year’s release is built on the foundation of the last.
Facts & Figures.
ABV: 54.5%
Country: Blend breakdown here
Age: Blend
Cask: Blend
Still: Blend
Price: £120
Distillery: Blend
On the nose.
This is a revisit to a rum I’m very familiar with and I’m reminded once again why I like it so much – the first smell brings great memories alongside it. This comes across well balanced with the Guyana element heavy and playing a great foundation for which this profile layers on top of. Tropical fruits (pineapple, banana, mango) balance alongside a selection of baking spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, clove). A dark, rich, wet wood is present throughout.
On the palate.
This is rich, almost ridiculously so – with the aged, wet wood coming in straight off the bat with a little muskiness. What follows is a flavour bomb of elements all working exceptionally well together – lime zest, bananas, pineapple, honey, and plump raisins. This tastes ‘old’ in a fantastic nod to it’s legacy.
The finish is reasonably long with a citrus heavy finish adding a final layer of bitterness that somehow suits the rich and oily mouthfeel.
9/10 – I have to remain objective which is why I haven’t given this a 10/10 but it really is a wonderful rum that brings me a lot of joy.
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.
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