Black Tot Royal Navy

I've had British Navy Rum from an old flagon, from the Castle Brands release of British Royal Navy Imperial Rum, and the Black Tot. In blending the Black Tot for consistency, they've really done something special. They took the bite out of the high-proof dog, and added layers of complexity. From a single flagon, the rum is in your face, with singular notes. This tasted like an aria... complex, layered. It's sweeter, but I won't count that against it. At the top.

So, I had this a couple years ago at place called Hogo in DC, which is unfortunately closed now. I ponied up $50 for a one ounce pour on two occasions. Once for me, and a second time to share with a history nerd friend of mine.

So, this rum is not very palatable. It has some nice notes of leather and tobacco with a backdrop of diesel.....or perhaps more like hydraulic fluid. It totally lived up to its expectations. If the military was in the business of distilling spirits, this is the product you would get.

That all being said, if you get a chance to drink this.......do it! Imagine yourself toasting a victory at Trafalgar, or sinking the Bismarck, or suffering from scurvy somewhere in the south Pacific. While this is not the best rum in the world, it is a great way to celebrate and experience how rum played a small part in affecting our world.

Very impressive blend of different styles. Very well balanced.

Tastes like nothing else. Leather, toabacco. Like Pussers but harsh and sophisticated

This one is smooth and has quite a bit of character. I had this one neat over dinner at a restaurant and loved it. Never heard of it, and only tried it off of the bartenders recommendation. After sitting for a while, the taste was still the same. I love when I can find a rum I can slowly sip without the flavor profile changing too drastically. The color of this rum is pretty dark, not too sweet and not too potent.

Very impressive blend of different styles. Very well balanced.

I bougth this bottles from a bar that was shutting down. Honestly they didnt know what they had. Great elixir. Nose full of chocolate, mix spices and dark old fruit. The palate its just an explosion. You can taste the oak and the flavors of the nose. And even tough is strong in alcohol, it goes down quiet easy. Without to much bite.

Its just a must have Navy Rum expresion.

The story and history behind it is more of interest than the rum it self. Most places that have it have a shot for $100-200, but it's not an orgasm in a glass. It was made for a bunch of sailors in the 70s.

I love the history behind this rum and really wanted to like it however it’s a bit potent for me and my rum tasting palate.

I got a sample through masters of malt before shelling out £600 on a bottle. The nose was amazing, rich and full, coffee, tobacco, chocolate.....

I had it over ice and it was exactly as the nose suggested and more. For me the tobacco and coffee was over powering and I could imagine drinking it whilst playing poker and smoking a cigar, however for home drinking with a friend it was a bit much.

I don’t know about the leather and chocolate some have mentioned. For me, the flavor was very similar to the burnt sugar that covers a creme brûlée. And the reviewer that mentioned spending a lot of time with his nose in the glass - true! The smell is incredible. For me, there is no better rum. It was perfect.