Black Tot, Master Blender’s Reserve 2023
ABV: 54.5%
Country: Full breakdown here
Age: A blend of unaged to 31 year old
Cask: Blend
Still: Blend
Price: £143
Distillery: Blend
I think this really pushes the boundaries of multi-country and multi-distillery blends and the result is just as impressive as the 2021 and 2022 editions. Good luck trying to put an age statement on this one, with the blend containing 1.7 percent of this and 4.6 percent of that. What we do know is that it contains a variety of rums ranging from unaged up to a minimum of 31 years.
What sets this particular blend apart from the rest of the range is the addition of a new country into the mix, featuring a 28 year old rum from Grenada. The Master Blender’s Reserve series has always been about showcasing both depth and creativity, and this 2023 edition continues that tradition. With each release, it becomes clear that Black Tot is not just about producing premium rums, but about experimenting with combinations that challenge expectations and highlight the diversity of rum styles from around the world.
Nose
Bear with me here but this is reminiscent of walking through a forest as the sun is just starting to set and the rain is coming down (or as normal people might say.. musky, vegetal and dark). There are some gentle tropical notes and big punchy red fruits, some wet wood, a little smoke and a hint of funk or overripe banana.
Palate
The palate is very moreish! I’m getting liquorice and cherry up front. It has a wonderful chewy mouthfeel with an unctuous oily texture that really coats the tongue. Blackberries and dark chocolate (think Black Forest gateau) with cinnamon, pepper, toffee and some smoke notes all playing their part.
And the finish… it’s wonderful and long, with dry tannins, black tea, a whisper of fudge and right on the tail some black pepper and baking spices (ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon)
I thoroughly enjoyed this and I think it’s going to be interesting to sit down with all of these side by side to see which one wins my attention!
9/10 – Another fantastic demonstration of blending from Black Tot.
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.
