Black Tot Last Consignment 54.3

Black Tot Last Consignment is not just any Navy Rum, butThe Navy Rum par excellence. The tradition of a daily ration of rum for sailors in the British Navy dates back to 1655. However, it wasn't until 1731 that the official version of this blend appeared, outrageously diluted by Admiral Vernon. The " Daily Tot " tradition lasted until July 31, 1970, the day of the last ration, also known as " Black Tot day ".

However, a small reserve of this blend remained, stored in stoneware carboys in an army depot. A few drops of this national treasure were occasionally served at the Queen of England's table. In 2010, an English spirits specialist was authorized to reassemble and bottle this piece of history.

Traditionally, the rums making up the blend came from the former English Caribbean colonies of Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad. But this blend could vary according to needs, the vagaries of the distilleries, and the voyages of the Navy. What is certain is that the rums from the Port Mourant still formed the backbone of this rum.

This Black Tot is presented in a wooden box, containing a kettledrum identical to that used by sailors. You'll also find a replica of the ration card, and a booklet written by Dave Broom, Britain's leading authority on spirits.

Nico's tasting notes

On the nose, we find a well-confit old rum, caramelized on itself, with a certain humid languor. Oxidized nuts and brandied plums reinforce the impression of antiquity, concentration and rancio.

Aeration reveals an old, damp woodiness, toasty but totally melted, full of cores and oxidative notes. One might think of a PX sherry tinged with molasses, as rancio and roundness seem to be the order of the day.

The palate is more lively than one might have imagined, with spice and roast being quick to remind us that we're dealing with a Navy Rum. Roasted, caramelized nuts are tasty on the mid-palate, and are soon reinforced by notes of full-bodied, coppery rum and stone brandy.

The finish is round and spicy, dark and full of leather and licorice molasses.

"A sensation of very old brandy, well caramelized and spiced..."