Elixir Distillers of London Black Tot Rum Master Blender’s Reserve 2022

"06.10.2023 retasting between 2021 - 2022 - 2023 and it lost a few points. ------ Now we have 3 great Black Tot releases. The 50th Anniversary, Master Blender 2021 and Master Blender 2022 and I like them all. They're also scored pretty closely to each other by me. The releases are really close to each other so the day decides which one wins. I like the darkness of it with smoky wood and warm palate as well as the long finish. I was very surprised at the final result when sipping this one at the German Rum Fest and I will have a few bottles when accessible."

"Extremely pleasing navy blend without flaws but also without real highlights. Aromatic predominantly with the Guyana and Barbados component. Due to the slight sweetness relaxed drinkable."

"#22nd dec RumXCalendar Blind tasting: Nose: fruity, apricot, coconut, orange peal, woody, coffee Mouth: complex, chocolate, caramelized, minty, licorice Finish: mid long, dry, minty, chocolate, mocha, barrel notes, toasted A very enjoyable blend. I’ve missed a bit of the spicyness of a good navy blend. All in all it’s well blended, round, balanced, complex with a lot of fun. For me: 2020>2021>2022 My prediction: This could be from Belize or Foursquare… a bit tricky approx. 50% approx. 20 years of aging"

"Dark and balanced navy blend. Pretty enjoyable."

"in direct comparison with the MBR 21:In the 21, the Hampden portion is clearly perceptible, in the 22, however, I perceive the Foursquare portion. In addition to the coconut and chocolate, I still have very clear orange peel / tangerine and some allspice. On the palate, the differences are no longer so great. However, the 21er still seems a touch more intense, and has a longer finish. The BT 50 remains the measure of things, then the MBR 21, then the MBR 22."

"The 2nd time tasting it tastes me somehow not quite as good. Alcohol seems quite unbalanced and overall he is too smoky and woody for me ... Is okay but no exception rum"

"Blind in the RumX calendar: had held him for a Spanish-style rum, that does not speak for the rum.nose and palate without noteworthy features, very round and pleasing. In the aftertaste then more spice and barrel influence. Moderate blend, does not really convince me. The blend to the 50th Anniversary I like better."

"Full flavor with oak spice, licorice and nutmeg, later on to stewed banana, demerara sugar and chocolate. There is a lot going on, but I like, that it finds a good balance. The aftertaste is long, with more cinnamon and spicy chocolate, anise, dry tobacco and ripe fruits. A well-structured rum blend, with a somewhat heavy Trinidad style base. A lovely tropical fruitiness and dark sweetness add extra layers. Overall a nice rum 👍"

"Nice pleasant sipper, easy to drink in between. But for me not a highlight for the price. In contrast to its predecessor, the BlackTot 2021, a step backwards in terms of taste. It's a shame that the level could not be maintained."

"With this rum I had the impression that it constantly changes its flavors in the glass over time ! This is exciting and varied, but not really mine! It is howeverein well made blend!"

"A harmonious Navy Blend, which leaves beautiful spicy and grassy notes on the nose before giving way to more caramelized, chocolate and caffeinated aromas. Toasted hazelnuts, dried and exotic fruits bring an additional sweetness on an already very sweet profile.In the mouth, the attack is warm, spicy, with a slight bitterness brought by herbs and thyme. The spices dominate the proceedings, while the roasted and caramelized notes accompany a subtle and delicate fruitiness.The finish is unfortunately rather short. We still perceive the herbs, spices and typical notes of Guyana. We feel a strong influence of Demerara (Enmore or Versailles at first sight) which perfumes well the global profile. The alcohol is well integrated. One could criticize a lack of vivacity and length on the finish, but it remains a good Blend for the 2022 edition, very pleasant and accessible, both for the palate and the price."

"Rum X Advent 12/22-22Falls off quite a bit for me compared to the 50th Anniversary and the Velier Navy blends I've had. Does not pick me up very much."

"Un navy plutôt agréable. Plus gourmand et sucré que je ne l'attendais. Des notes de tabac, de colle, de caoutchouc. Des esters. Un vrai blend avec un style "navy" bien marqué. Vraiment très agréable."

"A well constructed Navy style blend. Im getting spices, darm chocolate and some tobacco. Dark with a layer of fruitiness. Balanced. A great rum, however the origional 50th anniversary bottling is the best of the series thus far in my opinion."

"Please do not misunderstand: This is a good rum. But I am still rather disappointed. I liked both Velier Navy's very very much and I wanted to try this one: After all, it's a very similar price to the Tiger Shark. But it doesn't even come close in taste. Yes, it has Guyana in it. Also some Caroni. But somehow ... it's all too bright for me, and the Barbados component makes it all too boring. Too light, un-dark, un-heavy, not smoky enough. Conclusion: for the money prefer the Tiger Shark. Just my personal taste 😉"