Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Pineapple

Nose like spices and black tar and deep pungent fruit that's been rotting in the sun but still is sweet. The start is like wood that's been in a sauna. It continues to be a deep old fruit and molasses. Continues to bloom into something in every sip. Chocolate. Molasses. Honey. Hard to imagine this was once swigged, it's so complex and rich.

I got to try on anniversary at a rum specialty bar in Boston. The bartender told me of the history and how it isn't made anymore. It was in an elaborate bottle...but it was by far one of the nicest drinks I have ever had in my life. If you can find some. Try it!

A rating doesn't seem all that useful, as this rum isn't on the market. However, if you ever get your hands on a tot, it's worth experiencing. A secret blend of lovely Port Mourant demerara, fragrant Jamaican (Hampden?), and more. Special and rare.

A once-in-a-lifetime kind of rum. From the final reserves of British Royal Navy rum, this juice is truly special. Bottled no later than 1970, from rums probably up to 20 years old.

Of course, the romance will only take you so far; what truly matters is the taste. This imperial rum delivers in spades.

At "only" 54.3% abv, it smelled and tasted quite a bit hotter than other 109-proov navy-style rums I tasted alongside. But the flavors of molasses, treacle, oak, earth were so beautifully balanced.

I remember getting other notes from the empty glass, but—alas—not what they were. I can only dream of having the opportunity to try it again someday :)

Up spirits! Here's to the perfect Black Tot Day rum—and our ships at sea.

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