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Black Tot Rum names global ambassador

Spirits producer Elixir Distillers has appointed Mitch Wilson as global brand ambassador for Black Tot Rum.

Mitch Wilson has been named global brand ambassador for Black Tot Rum

Wilson’s appointment coincides with the 50th anniversary of Black Tot Day this year. Black Tot Day will take place on 31 July, and marks when the British Royal Navy ended the 239-year tradition of issuing a daily rum ration, or ‘tot’, to crew members.

In the lead up to Black Tot Day, Wilson will host a series of masterclasses in bars worldwide.

Oliver Chilton, head blender at Elixir Distillers and creator of Black Tot Finest Caribbean Rum, said: “The story of Black Tot and the navy’s role in pioneering rum blending across the globe is a great way to help a new generation get inspired by the rum category.

“We’ve created a range of rums that honour authentic navy rum blending techniques, telling the story of the evolution of navy rum and we’re excited to have Mitch on board to share this global story with the world.”

Wilson started his career in the drinks trade at London bar Trailer Happiness in 2013, before also working at London’s Rum Kitchen and Made in the Shade, plus Cole’s Red Car Bar in LA.

He then moved to Sydney, Australia, where he worked as bar manager at Henrietta’s Supper Club.

Wilson’s next move was to launch the Sydney Academy of Bartenders, which is a training programme designed to help people learn more about the philosophy behind people driving the on-trade industry forwards.

Following this, Wilson joined Maison Ferrand, which produces Plantation Rum, as an ambassador for Australia and New Zealand, then covering Asia Pacific.

Wilson said: “There’s been a growing interest in the rum world about uncovering the real story of navy rum, and I’m delighted to be joining the ranks of those dispelling the myths around the history and heritage of this incredible spirit.

“It’s an honour to represent a brand that showcases both the historic bottling of genuine navy rum, while also having new, exciting rum blends in development – I can’t wait to share our story with rum lovers around the world.”

Last month, Elixir Distillers submitted a revised planning application for its Islay distillery, which now includes a more “traditional” exterior design.

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