Black Tot Rum launches Master Blender’s Reserve

Elixir Distillers-owned Black Tot Rum has released the 2022 edition of its Master Blender’s Reserve.

The super-premium, limited edition rum has taken inspiration from historical rums in the brand’s collection, alongside the unique flavour profiles they exhibited over half a century ago.

“Black Tot Master Blender’s Reserve is our opportunity to explore the art of rum blending pioneered by the British Royal Navy,” commented Oliver Chilton, Black Tot master blender. “In the 2022 edition we looked to accentuate flavours of baked banana, chocolate and mocha milkshakes, balanced against classic navy rum notes of tobacco, leather and liquorice. This has resulted in a layered and perfectly balanced rum full of cocoa and spice which should create a lot of enthusiasm amongst Black Tot fans.”

This year’s edition has been composed of blends from the finest Caribbean distilleries in Jamaica, Guyana, Barbados and Trinidad. The blend is a complex marriage of rums ranging from two to 30-years-old.

The rums are added to a reserve of Master Blender’s Reserve 2021, which has been ageing in Sherry casks since last year’s Black Tot Day (31 July).

As per other releases in the range, the full detail of the blend can be accessed via a QR code displayed on the back of the bottle.

Consumers will be able to get a first taste of the liquid at this year’s Rum Show (22-23 July) being held at Glaziers Hall in London.

Black Tot Master Blender’s Reserve 2022 will be available from 31 July at The Whisky Exchange and other specialist retailers for RRP £135 (US$161.13).

The release is accompanied by a month-long series of on-trade activations.

Until 31 July, the brand will tour bars in key European countries with a series of dedicated tastings, masterclasses and takeovers.

The tour will visit Little White Bird and The Tailor in Amsterdam; The Vault at Milroy’s Soho; Starmore Boss in Sheffield; Smuggler’s Cove in Liverpool; and Golden Pineapple in Brighton; as well as virtual events at Austin Rum Society in Texas and Smuggler’s Cove in San Francisco.

Mitch Wilson, Black Tot ambassador, said: “This year, we’ve lined up a whole host of events across Europe to celebrate bringing great people and great rum back together again. We’re delighted to welcome many of the friends we’ve made at our virtual events over the past two years and share a glass of Black Tot in real life.

“I’m especially excited for us to announce our new Master Blender’s Reserve 2022 on 31 July, which I believe is our most intricate and delicious blend yet.”

Wilson is also inviting bartenders and the wider on-trade community to join him on Sunday 31 July at Limin’ Beach Club on London’s Southbank for a special brunch in celebration of Black Tot Day.

In the UK, the pinnacle of the Black Tot Month campaign is a three-month long outdoor activation created in partnership with Booking Office 1869 at St Pancras Renaissance Hotel.

The partnership will run until the end of September, and will feature the Black Tot X Roof Garden by Booking Office 1869, which will offer visitors an immersive experience into the brand.

The eye-catching space includes relaxing seating areas and a menu of Black Tot cocktails conceived by Booking Office 1869’s Bar Manager Jack Porter.