That Boutique-y Cachaca Company Novo Fogo 3 Year Old

Bythefatrumpirate

That Boutique-y Cachaca Company Novo Fogo 3 Year Old Rum Review by the fat rum pirateThat Boutique-y Cachaca Company Novo Fogo 3 Year Old. That Boutique-y Rum Company has re-named itself for this release. To reflect the fact that this is their first Independent bottling of cachaça. Well done to them we are on of the very few rum websites that have been really banging the drum for cachaça recently and will continue to do so!

For those not familiar with cachaça it is a Brasillian sugar cane spirit. It has been suggested it is actually older than rum but that is an argument I’m not that bothered about getting into.

For those unfamiliar with the Novo Fogo brand I have reviewed a couple of their expressions here and here. Novo Fogo are one of the few cachaça brands that are actively trying to break the US and European markets. They have their own distillery in Southern Brasil. Other cachacas trying to break the European and US market, the likes of Leblon, Sagatiba and Abelha, source their cachaça rather than distill it themselves.

This cachaça was produced on a Copper Pot Still. It was then aged in a combination of Amburana (Brasilian hardwood) and American Oak Casks for 3 years. It has been bottled at 41.2% ABV.

The attractive 50cl bottle which shows people learning how to “Bogo Fogo”, retails at £41.95 from Master of Malt. This batch is limited to 550 bottles. Which should make it pretty much single cask? Bear in mind the Boutique-y bottles are smaller than the industry standard 70cl.

For more detailed information on Novo Fogo, I recommend visiting their own website which has a wealth of information on their production methods etc.

In the glass we have a light to golden brown cachaça.

Nosing reveals a very buttery, soft spirit. Lots of double cream and shortcake. Buttery pastry -croissants and pain au chocolat. A touch of soapiness. Beneath this lies a nice weight of ginger, lavendar and oak spices. Notes of gentle vanilla round off the nose nicely.

Sipped this is a really nicely balanced cachaca. The initial sweetness on the entry. White grapes and butter cookies quickly moves into a very ginger heavy spicy mid palate with notes of shortcake. Almonds and some nice creamy vanilla ice cream.

It is difficult to forget that this is only 3 years old. It does admittedly have quite a large amount of spice and a fair amount of booze but the development of the spirit is still very good. It’s complex and rewarding with a lot of flavour despite it being fairly delicate.

The finish has some floral notes and a nice fade of oak and ginger. It lasts for a medium length and is very satisfying.

That Boutique-y Cachaca Company Novo Fogo 3 Year Old Rum Review by the fat rum pirateThat Boutique-y Cachaca Company Novo Fogo Aged 3 Years is a really good first stab at cachaça. It shows the knowledge of the experts they have on board. Yes to date some of the offerings of That Boutique-y Rum Company haven’t all been (in my opinion) first class but they have dared to try. They have dared to bottle something a bit different. Rather than just classics such as Foursquare, Caroni and Hampden. You have to give them credit for that too many independent bottlers go down the easy route which means a glut of very similar rums.

This bottling however is a sure fire hit. It’s easily as good as Novo Fogo’s own branded cachaça. Well worth seeking out, especially as a lot of cachaça available in the UK and Europe is the unaged white stuff. Whilst I’m not knocking that, aged cachaça offers something entirely different.

Give this a whirl if you see it.

 

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  • The Duppy Share Duppy White Jamaican Rum

    Bythefatrumpirate

    The Duppy Share Duppy White Jamaican Rum review by the fat rum pirateThe Duppy Share Duppy White Jamaican Rum. The original incarnation of “The Duppy Share” has been around for a number of years. The brand also released a Spiced Rum, a short while back. I’ll get that reviewed soon……..

    Now The Duppy Share have decided the time has come for a white rum offering to hit our shelves.

    I reviewed the “Original” The Duppy Share, way back in 2015. It has been available in most major retailers and UK supermarket chain Morrison’s for quite some time now. Now, despite being a blend of rum from two of the “hippest” rum distilleries – Foursquare and Worthy Park, it never seems to get talked about much.

    I’ve seen many people dismiss it as a heavily adulterated or even a Spiced rum. It is neither! These perceptions seem to based mainly on the brand being stocked in a supermarket and the lively and quite heavily branded presentation. In fairness when it comes to the rum world it is understandable that people are suspicious of “brands” and stories surrounding the brand.

    The Duppy Share has a fun vibe to it, so I guess some more snobbier elements of the rum world don’t tend to take the brand too seriously. Which in fairness when it comes to the original The Duppy Share rum is their loss. It’s a solid 8/10 mixer/sipper which retails for well under £30. With juice from Foursquare and Worthy Park, it really is one of the rum worlds bargains.

    The Duppy Share Duppy White Jamaican Rum is currently available at Tesco. It is priced at £19.75, for a 70cl bottle. You can also pick it up online at The Whisky Exchange. It is a blend of Pot and Column distilled rum from undisclosed distilleries (or potentially just one distillery) from Jamaica. As this is a proprietory blend I am not party to the exact make up of the juice in the bottle.

    Presentation wise the rum comes in the familiar stubby, rounded The Duppy Share bottle complete with chunky cork topper. The colour scheme has been adapted to the colours of the Jamaican Flag so we have a green, black and yellow colour scheme. This can make the bottle a little dificult to read in certain lights.

    The presentation is eye catching and it certainly looks a very attractive package for less than £20. The front label looks a little like a 60’s psychedelic record sleeve. (More in keeping with my type of music!). If you go to The Duppy share website, there is a full run down of the imagery etc used on the front label which outlines what it is all about.

    The Duppy Share Duppy White Jamaican Rum, has been released and co-founded alongside BThe Duppy Share Duppy White Jamaican Rum review by the fat rum pirateritish (but with Jamaican parents/roots) Hip-Hop/Grime rapper/songwriter and producer Kano. Something which once again might raise suspicion/affect credibility in the upper echelons of Rum Enthusiasts but will probably be of interest to the “youth” of today. I’ll be honest I’d never heard of Kano before. Largely due to the fact his style of music just isn’t my thing. It’s no reflection on his success or popularity!

    The “tagline” used in promoting The Duppy Share Duppy White Jamaican Rum has also been questioned

    “The first white rum that’s designed to be drunk neat and in shots, as well as starring in classic white rum cocktails, Duppy White asks us to celebrate life and guarantees nights to remember.”

    I’m not sure many white rums have been marketed towards the sipping end of the spectrum but certainly the biggest player globally in white rum – Bacardi certainly introduced a white sipping rum a few years back. Many others brands will also note that their white rum can be sipped as well.

    Well I think thats all I have to say regarding this rum so lets get on with the serious (fun?) part. Oh just to confirm much like the Original The Duppy Share – there are no additives in this rum. Just 100% Jamaican goodness……….

    In the glass The Duppy Share Duppy White Jamaican Rum is crystal clear. No sign of any ageing or filtering. So I am assuming that the rum(s) in this blend are unaged or very minimally aged. There are no signs of any interaction with oak barrels……

    Not a problem at this price point I wasn’t expecting an aged rum. I don’t think many people would expect a white rum to be aged anyway – would they?

    On the nose the rum has a slighty sour grapefruit like note. This works alongside some sweeter sugar cane and mango like notes. There is a spicy chilli/Pimento like notThe Duppy Share Duppy White Jamaican Rum review by the fat rum piratee as well which runs right across the sweeter, fruitier notes.

    It is not a huge funk bomb of a rum but it does have a lot of fruitiness. Juicy mango, pineapple, sweet pink grapefruit, green apple and some banana. It’s quite light (by Jamaican standards) but it does have a really nice balance to it. The funkier elements are there but they aren’t particularly prominent. I suspect this is quite a low ester blend.

    Sipped The Duppy Share Duppy White Jamaican Rum is initially quite mineral like – quite spicy with a nice hit of chilli heat and a Pimento dram like note. It’s quite clean and refreshing on the palate.

    As we move into the mid palate the fruitiness returns. Now I often make notes about certain “fruity” notes I get with rums. I will say that without doubt the grapefruit note on this rum is probably one of the most pronounced and easy to spot flavours I have ever encountered. It’s a slightly sweet grapefruit taste initially but it becomes more tart and spicy. Giving way, perhaps to some gooseberry, lime juice and just a touch of blackcurrant.

    This is a much more flavourful rum than something you will find in the Supermarket – Wray and Nephew aside. Having spoken with the people behind Duppy White they are trying to offer people drinking Bacardi Superior and “house” Supermarket rum a more flavourful and authentic rum experience. They have also tried to a position this rum at a price point that might encourage these people to give it a try.

    As a sipper the finish on this rum isn’t the longest. Overall though at under £20, this doesn’t make a bad glass of rum at all. It’s certainly a lot more rounded (I’m not going to say smoother) than Bacardi Superior or “House” White Supermarket swill. A lot less harsh and has a much more authentic, less chemical (ethanol?) led delivery. It’s a far superior product to be fair (pun intended).

    Which in fairness doesn’t sent the benchmark all that high but it isn’t just better than those rums. It is a lot,lot better.

    I really like the fruitiness of this rum, coupled with the medium chilli heat it works really nicely in a Rum and Coke. I always enjoy Appleton White (now re-branded as Kingston 62) and this certainly ticks all the boxes that make that rum so good for mixing.The Duppy Share Duppy White Jamaican Rum review by the fat rum pirate

    It adds a good level of “rummy-ness” to the drink but also a lot of distinctive fruity flavour.

    Where Appleton White is more coconut and banana led this definitely has more citrus notes going on. I can imagine a skilled bartender could do all kinds with this rum. It has such a distinct profile that it is calling out for a signature drink to be made with it.

    If you want something to punch you in the face and leave you with a bloody nose then go and get another bottle of Wray and Nephew. If however you want something that’ll give you a little slap around the chops and then a hug. I would advise giving this a try.

    I’m off to Tesco for another bottle……..

     

     

     

  • Smith & Cross London Traditional Jamaica Rum

    Bythefatrumpirate

    SMITH AND CROSS Jamaica Rum Review OverproofSmith & Cross can trace their heritage back as far as 1788, producing of sugar and spirits.  Importing vast quantities of rum and sugar from Jamaica.  At one point they had a Sugar Distillery at 203 Thames Street at the old London docks. on the banks of the River Thames.

    Smith & Cross is a 100% Jamaican pot still rum.  It is distilled in Jamaica at the famous Hampden Estate, who still produce their own line of rums.  The rum is produced from molasses, cane juice and syrup from freshly pressed sugar cane.  It is a mixture of heavy Wedderburn pot still rum (aged for only six months) and the more medium bodied Plummer, which is aged for up to 3 years in our old friend the bourbon barrel.  For further detailed information try http://www.alpenz.com/images/poftfolio/smithcross114rum.htm they will explain things far better than I ever could!

    Smith & Cross comes in a typical bartender friendly bottle.  Having said that the bottle does have a slightly thicker more bulbous rounded neck and unlike most bottles similar to this, you don’t get a metallic strip screw top.  You get an authentic quality cork stopper.  The rum retails at around the £30 mark in the UK per 70cl bottle.  The labelling is simple, clear and unfussed.  Gold lettering with navy backdrop is easy to read and the information on the bottle is sufficiently detailed to let you know exactly what is contained within.  It is simple and gives the rum an authentic and slightly nautical feel.

    Bottled at 57% the rum is navy strength.  This means it is (in old money) 100 proof.  This simply means that if any of the spirit was spilt on board a British Royal Navy vessel, it would not affect the lighting of gunpowder.  BOOOOOOOMMMMM!  This is not to be confused with Navy Rum.  Navy rum is traditionally more of a sweeter heavier  mostly Demerara based rum, such as Lambs.  It doesn’t necessarily have to be bottled at navy strength, though examples such as Pussers and Woods are.  This is very definitely a Navy Strength Jamaican only style rum.

    For anyone who has sampled a Jamaican rum, many will have tried an Appleton you know that they are quite pungent.  For many rum drinkers this can be quite off putting.  I have to say I have found this style of rum takes quite some getting used to.  However, that is the beauty I find in rum.  So much variation and difference in the “one” spirit.

    The cork produced a lovely pop upon opening the bottle and seals the bottle nice and tightly when re-applied.  The rum immediately releases its pungent heavy odour.  It invokes a picture in my mind of fruit punch laden with oranges, apples and pineapple.  It reminds me a little of taking those fruit pieces out of the punch and sucking the alcohol which has absorbed.  The smell is rich, sugary, heavy molasses.  It is reminiscent of an Appleton but also has that extra alcohol feel, which reminds me a little of Pussers.  On pouring, the rum seems to lighten considerably.  Smith & Cross is a light golden amber colour.  In the bottle it did look a lot more orange coloured.  This may be due to the dark label?

    Upon sipping, the rum offers a considerable and quite rough alcohol burn.  You need a few sips before you can even begin to detect the flavours .  It leaves a long lasting tingle on the tongue and in the roof of your mouth.  It isn’t aged long so it is still a young quite rough rum.  It is heavy with caramel tones and  there is an element of fruitiness to the overall flavour but not one which I can immediately pick out.  Perhaps a little pineapple and banana.  When mixed 50/50 with cola I find that the rum becomes more oaked and a slightly tart.

    On the rear of the bottle there are two cocktail suggestions.  One is called “Million” and calls for lemon juice and Angostura bitters, the other is “The Doctor” and calls for Swedish Punsch and lime.  I don’t even know what Swedish Punsch is (I’ll look later) but I do have bitters and lemon juice.Million

    The “Million” was interesting to say the least.  My effort ended up looking like a bloody mary.  In some respects the spiciness reminded me a little of the peppery vodka concoction as well.  It was a very strange drink indeed.  It pretty much disguised the taste of the rum, which I really didn’t think was possible!  To be honest the drink was pretty vile, thought that might be partly due to my inept cocktail making skills.

    The rum is steeped in tradition it is an old fashioned rum (similar to the also UK produced Old Salt Rum – see my review).  It is not a rum which I found particularly pleasant to sip or in my more familiar territory, mixed with coke at first.  It would seem that the rum is really for mixing in tiki cocktails and other long drinks requiring a bit of oomph.   It might even prove useful in getting rid of the old troublesome guest or at least helping them have some time out…..

    However, first impressions are often deceiving.  As I have continued my rum journey I have discovered and tried other Jamaican rums and began to appreciate them more and more.

    Smith & Cross is definitely not the sweeter newer style of rum which have been more prevalent since the 50’s and 60’s.  It is no Ron Zacapa or Diplomatico. It is a million miles away from that.  It is in many ways like Ronseal – it does exactly what it say on the tin (bottle).  Smith & Cross make no allusions or false claims about their product.

    As a rum to recommend its a difficult one you either like dunder heavy Jamaican rum or you don’t!  I’ve had around 100ml of the stuff during this review and I can certainly feel it!  The ABV obviously attributes to this!

    This is a good rum – well made and constructed and has no pretences about being anything other than an old fashioned hard hitting Jamaican pot still. It might well go great with a bit Ting – jammin!

    4 stars

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Cachaca Alambique Brasil Ouro

    Bythefatrumpirate

    Cachaca Alambique Brasil Ouro Rum Review by the fat rum pirateCachaca Alambique Brasil Ouro.

    Hailing from the Serra do Cadeado House of Cachaca in Ortigueira, Parana State. Cachaca Alambique Brasil Ouro is produced under the guidance of Master Blender Armando Del Bianco.

    Oritgueira is known as the Capital of Honey in Brasil as it is the countries largest exporter of the bee’s sweet nectar. Cacbaca Alambique Brasil Ouro is produced in an ecological and sustainable environment. Everything used in the production of the Cachaca is recycled or reused. Sugar Cane Bagasse is recycled in various ways and vinasse, after being treated and mixed with manure, is used as fertiliser for the various crops on the plantation.

    Cachaca Alambique Brasil Ouro is as you might expect, distilled in Copper Pot Stills. It is then aged in carefully selected Amburana casks for 8 months. It is bottled at 40% ABV.

    A 700ml bottle retails at around R$95 in Brasil which works out around £18 – so expect to pay around £30-35 a bottle should this reach the UK.

    In the glass Cachaca Alambique Brasil Ouro is a light golden brown to straw colour. The nose is quite “soapy” and there is a lot of vanilla. It is quite a creamy Cachaca – think unsweetened Double Cream.

    There is a slight pepperyness on the nose with notes of ginger and a tiny hint of aniseed. It’s quite light but reasonably complex and inviting.

    Sipped this is a very creamy and soapy Cachaca. The Amburana wood really makes a big difference to the Cachaca even after just 8 months. Cachaca aged in Amburana casks is very different to molasses based rum or even Agricole Rhums.

    There are times when people question why Cachaca has its own identity instead of being “Brasillian Rum” – this would help explain why.

    On the sip Cachaca Alambique Brasil Ouro is initially quite spicy with big notes of ginger and cinnamon. This develops into rich vanilla ice cream and a big hit of what I can only describe as slightly soapy double cream.Cachaca Alambique Brasil Ouro Rum Review by the fat rum pirate

    Which doesn’t sound all that appealing but I find that this Cachaca is very more-ish. The finish and mid palate are clean and very refreshing. It’s quite sweet but it has a very nicy peppery note which adds a bit more complexity. There is a honey like note which runs through this Cachaca adding a good balance of sweetness to the mix.

    It’s very easy going and easy to drink – it sips remarkably well and it mixed really nicely in a range of drinks. As well as this Ouro Cachaca the brand also produce other aged Cachaca’s and some pre-mixed cocktail style bottlings. It will be interesting

    It might not appeal to everyone but I really enjoy this style of Cachaca.

  • SeaWolf Premium White Rum

    Bythefatrumpirate

    SeaWolf Premium White Rum review by the fat rum pirateSeaWolf Premium White Rum. This rum has been around for a while. Indeed it claims to be the first white rum to be distilled in Scotland. I wonder who distilled the first dark rum? Answers on a postcard please……..

    Joking aside the brand has been around since 2016. I was aware of the brand but never heard much about it. so as a result it passed me by. SeaWolf Premium White Rum has been created by Mike Aikman and Jason Scott, who are behind the Edinburgh bars Bramble, The Last Word and the Lucky Liquor Co. The duo are joined by Gavin Ferguson who is the co-founder of wine merchant Vino Wines.

    SeaWolf Premium White Rum is named after the native American terms for Killer Whales (obviously that’s just the SeaWolf part of the name). These can frequently be seen off the coast of Scotland.

    The rum is made with a combination of champagne and rum yeasts. The fermentation of the cane molasses is done at low temperature for four weeks and then distilled in a Copper Pot Still. SeaWolf Rum is currently distilled in Angus at Ogilvy Spirits.

    Seawolf Premium White Rum is an unaged white rum. I have reviewed a couple of unaged white rums from Scotland in recent times. Sugar House Rum and Ninefold.

    It has recently been moved from 50cl bottles to 70cl with only a slight increase in price point. The clear, aside from the Seawolf logo and a painting of SeaWolves, old “medicine” style bottle with an un-topped cork stopper is simplistic. At the same time though its stylish and modern. A bit hipster if you like.

    SeaWolf Premium White Rum review by the fat rum pirateIt is bottled at 41% ABV and as mentioned comes in a 70cl bottle. It can be found at most retailers. Master of Malt are currently offering free delivery on this bottling. It is priced at £37.95.

    So lets see how this latest bottle of Haggis Juice does in a review.

    In the glass we have a crystal clear liquid. As expected of an unaged rum. As with the other Scottish White rums I have tried recently the nose is full of molasses and chewy caramel. It’s sweet and treacly.

    Beneath this I am noticing a kind of Rosehip like note -slightly floral and perfumed. Further nosing reveals some Red Apple and a touch of banana.

    Even at the fairly low ABV of 41% it’s quite “boozy” and has a bit of menace about it. Sipped it is a touch on the metallic side with a bitter edge to it. That said for an unaged rum it has a fair amount of flavour going on. It’s not as sweet as the nose suggested but its good a good body to it. As a sipper it’s perhaps a touch on the metallic side maybe a bit too medicinal but it’s certainly not a bad little tot of rum.

    It’s really as a mixer where you get the best of out of SeaWolf. It works really well in long drinks and it particularly good in a Daiquiri or a Mojito. It’s versatile and really interesting.SeaWolf Premium White Rum review by the fat rum pirate

    It’s clean and very crisp. Not as quite as “funky” as maybe Ninefold or Sugar House White. That said it is not a “light” style of white rum. Whilst this might be a bit cleaner in profile it is still quite a molasses forward 100% Pot Still White Rum.

    The profile of Scottish Rum (I’m not talking about the Spiced and Flavoured nonsense) will hopefully be raised over the next few years. There are a number of exciting releases in the pipeline. I don’t know the plans are regarding further SeaWolf releases but this is certainly a very good start/re-boot.

    White Rum often gets a bad reputation but rums like this certainly show that it should not be dismissed as readily, as it if often is.

     

     

     

  • That Boutique-y Rum Company Secret Distillery #1 Jamaica

    Bythefatrumpirate

    That Boutique-y Rum Company Secret Distillery #1 JamaicaThat Boutique-y Rum Company Secret Distillery #1 Jamaica. A release from a “Secret Distillery” in Jamaica sounds fantastic doesn’t it? Just imagine that The Boutique-y Rum Company have access to an as yet unknown Jamaican rum distillery. Is this a new start up or is it a tiny distiller who has been making their own moonshine for centuries?

    It’s neither. It is in fact the name of a Jamaican Rum Producer who has decided, that they do not want Independent bottlers to use the name of their distillery on their bottlings. Whilst they probably can’t legally enforce this. They have requested this be the case. So going forward you will not see the Worthy Park name on future independent releases.

    As far as I am aware I won’t get into trouble for disclosing the distillery. Besides which I am just guessing using my amateur palate. I could be completely wrong.

    Anyway, with this being the Boutique-y Rum Company we do still get a stack of information about this rum. Which makes a reviewers job so much easier!

    Distilled in March 2008. This is a 9-year-old 100% Pot Still Jamaican Rum. It has been aged entirely in a once used bourbon cask. This is a one of the rums from the first “batch” of Boutique-y Rum Company releases and it is still available via Master of Malt.

    It is priced at £47.95 and the ABV is a hefty 58%. The bottle size, is smaller than usual at 50cl. There were 426 bottles available on release. Which suggests this rum is bottled at Cask Strength or very near to it. It is noted as being the First Batch, so there may be more casks of this rum available in the future?

    That Boutique-y Rum Company Secret Distillery #1 Jamaica has spent 6 years ageing in Jamaica before being transferred to the UK.

    Presentation wise the labels on the Boutique-y Rum Company are a bit wacky as is their website. If you find the whole ethos familiar, it is likely you are familiar with Jim’ll Paint It. It’s the same artist. The label for this one is and I quote “The label is a visualisation of the rum’s production, featuring sugarcane (that’s the big one), demerara sugar, molasses, unaged rum and aged rum.”

    Might just be but it looks more like someone’s trippin’…….The second photo on this review shows a couple of other bottles in the range. All fun stuff and really makes the bottles stand out.

    In the glass That Boutique-y Rum Company Secret Distillery #1 Jamaica is a medium/dark brown rum, with an orange hue around the edges.

    On the nose it is obvious to anyone who has ever tasted anything from this “Secret Distillery”, which distillery this is actually from. Sweet milky builders tea mingles alongside milk chocolate, peanuts and caramel. It’s rich, warm and very inviting. Wafts of vanilla move in and out of the mix.

    It’s very typical of a Worthy Park rum. Which is no bad thing as I think they are a fantastic distillery.

    Sipped the rum is a little fiery at the full ABV but full of intense fruity and chocolatey flavours. Once you get past the milky tea notes you get a hint of pine cones and then the spicy warming dark chocolate, cocoa and raisin notes being that build up on the mid palate.

    This leads to a spicy burst of ginger and banana, with just a touch of pineapple to add a little sweetness. Notes of gooseberry adds a slightly tart note. A touch of salty sea brine as well.That Boutique-y Rum Company Secret Distillery #1 Jamaica

    The continental ageing adds a little more spice and perhaps a bit more alcohol burn than the Habitation Velier releases. I wouldn’t say it makes the rum any worse. It’s just a difference rather than an off point to this rum.

    The finish is long and has a really nice peppery spice to it, alongside the warming chocolate notes.The vanilla returns giving this a slightly sweeter finish than some Worthy Park rums.

    Another really nice rum from Worthy Park.

    If you wish to read more about this rum Steve James of Rum Diaries Blog has also reviewed this release.

  • Black Tot Rum – Finest Caribbean

    Bythefatrumpirate

    Black Tot Rum Finest Caribbean Rum Review by the fat rum pirateBlack Tot Rum – Finest Caribbean. Ahhh,.Black Tot is back again. Almost 50 years since it was decommissioned, back in July 1970. This is the third “Black Tot Rum” in the series of rums released by Elixir Distillers.

    It is also (by far) the cheapest of those rums. The first Black Tot Rum was The Last Consignment which was believed to be produced using stocks of authentic British Royal Navy rum. These stocks had been stored in stone flagons, following the abolition of the tot and kept at various Army and Navy bases around the UK. It originally retailed at around £650 and you would now be looking in excess of £1500 for a bottle on the secondary market.

    Which takes us nicely on to the second in the Black Tot series, a 40 Year Old rum from Demerara Distillers, Guyana. Which on release, retailed at a pocket (and bank balance) emptying £1500. I was fortunate enough to try that particular rum and I reviewed it here.

    So what do we have for this third instalment?

    Well we have a much less limited release. As far as I understand it this will be a rum which will be in regular circulation. For those who don’t know Elixir Distillers are an off shoot of The Whisky Exchange store here in the UK. So this particular rum is available via them and various other stores in the UK and Europe.

    Black Tot Rum – Finest Caribbean retails at just £39.95 for a 70cl bottle. It has been bottled at 46.2% ABV. It is a blend of Caribbean rum from Guyana, Barbados and Jamaica. The exact ratio of the rums is as follows

    40%: Guyana, aged 3-5 Black Tot Rum Finest Caribbean Rum Review by the fat rum pirateyears Pot and Column blend
    20%: Guyana, unaged Pot and Column blend
    35%: Barbados, aged 5 years Pot and Column blend
    5%    Jamaica, aged 3 years Pot still only

    It is understood that Elixir Distillers tried 26 different blends over 2 years, before deciding on this particular blend. It is interesting to note at this stage that Elixir Distillers final blend does not have any rum from Trinidad. Rums from Trinidad are often used in cheaper blend of Navy style rums.

    Black Tot Rum Finest Caribbean is of course a “Navy Style” Rum. The rums are all from historical British colonies and these islands often sourced the rums used by the Royal British Navy. Elixir Distillers have resisted playing up the Navy theme with this rum. Whilst anyone with knowledge of the Black Tot will know the Navy links many may not be quite as aware.

    Presentation wise I really like the way this has been presented. Understated but classy I really like the opaque stubby bottle and the colour scheme really makes this stand out on the shelf.

    At the price point we are really looking at something which is going to be competing with the likes of Pusser’s Gunpowder – most other Navy rums are pretty much in the £15-25 price bracket. Lesser known Navy rums such as Walter Hicks and Gunroom might stake a claim for a more expensive Navy style rum.

    It’s a competitive market so we will see how this one goes.Black Tot Rum Finest Caribbean Rum Review by the fat rum pirate

    In the glass we have a dark brown spirit with a reddish hue around the edges. Nosing Black Tot – Finest Caribbean, immediately puts you in mind of rums such as Woods 100 Navy Rum. Big, punchy treacly molasses notes burst out of the glass. Sweet brown Sugar. The rum initially screams Demerara. Dark Chocolate and some coffee aroma.

    Further nosing reveals a slightly more delicate note from the Demerara rum. Smooth, sweet caramel (very similar to the new Pusser’s 15 Year Old) and some slightly bitter notes of aniseed/licorice.

    The rum is a little on the “musty” side which adds a little more complexity. There is a very slight Jamaican note of burnt banana and fermented pineapple at the very back of the nose. Nice notes again of chocolate and coffee.

    Black Tot Rum – Finest Caribbean sips way better than I was expecting. Most Navy rums I have tried I have ended up using as mixers. This rum really has a weight and depth to it that mean it makes for a really enjoyable sipper. It’s not delicate or refined in any way but it is full of flavour and really hits the spot when you fancy a stiff drink.

    The initial sip is quite bitter with lots of treacly molasses and a real array of spices – lots of oak and ginger, with a touch of cinnamon and anise. The mid palate is more delicate with some nice toffee/caramel notes and some fruity flavours of raisin and sultana. Christmas Cake-ish in places. Lots of zesty citrus – lemon peel and marmalade.

    Black Tot Rum Finest Caribbean Rum Review by the fat rum pirateFinish wise it is a reasonable length but it isn’t the greatest. It’s not bad but after the taste explosion of the sip the finish is a little one dimensional. But for £40 what really should you expect? This is a better rum than quite a few £100 plus Independent bottlings I have had over the years.

    Mix this with cola and the lighter toffee notes and the balance provided by the Barbados element give you a really tasty and very smooth drink. It is one of the best rum and cokes you will find.

    Elixir Distillers have really hit this one out of the ball park. It’s an absolutely fantastic Navy styile rum which easily competes with the likes of Woods 100, Pusser’s Gunpowder. It is a little less boozy at 46.2% ABV but it certainly doesn’t compromise taste wise.

    A really good addition to the range and I suspect it will prove very popular.