Black Tot Last Consignment Royal Naval Rum

On July 31, 1970, at 11:00 am, the last rum ration was issued aboard the ships of the Royal Navy, thus ending a 300-year-old tradition. This day would become to be known as Black Tot Day.

While the last rum rations had already been given out, there was the matter of the leftover rum to deal with, so the remaining rum stocks were transferred from their warehouses in Deptford, Gosport, and Devonport to a government bonded warehouse. Here the large oak marrying casks were emptied into wicker-clad imperial gallon stone bottles, and there they sat for nearly forty years, save the occasional pour at state dinners and royal weddings.

Naval records indicate the rum was imported to England from Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad in oak casks by E.D and F. Man & Co rum merchants to the Royal Navy in 1784. While the precise age is unknown, records indicate this rum was likely distilled in the 1940s.

The Colour: Bright yet deep mahogany cut with flashes of ruby.

The Nose: Initial treacle notes precede dark chocolate with super-ripe black fruits, muscovado sugar, and walnuts. A drop of water releases notes of black banana, licorice root, and tamarind paste with an exotic balsamic edge.

The Palate: Starts off thick and sweet, becoming light and oaky before a burst of cassis/creme de mures, then espresso and cacao.

The Finish: Very long with light scented wood, black fruits, and cigar tobacco.

The Strength: Remarkably, after 40 years.

The Black Tot comes in a beautiful box complete with a silver-lined 1/2 gill cup and a book about naval rum traditions.