Elixir Distillers of London Black Tot Rum Rum Trail 2015

This Rum Trail release under the Black Tot label comes from Elixir Distillers of London, drawing on Belize as its single origin. Built from pot and column molasses distillate, vintage 2015 with nine years in Ex-Bourbon oak and bottled at 48%, it is a new label exploring rums from around the world, this one a gentle, chocolate led pour.

The Ex-Bourbon maturation drives the profile. The nose offers woody notes, vanilla, chocolate and coconut, the palate keeps the chocolate and vanilla going over wood with a soft sweetness, and the finish stays woody with spice, coconut and dried fruit. Tasters generally find it a pleasant, easy Belize rum that delivers what it promises in chocolate and vanilla, though some feel it runs a touch light and gentle, the proof and ageing showing rather than overwhelming. As an approachable, dessert leaning sipper from a less common origin, it offers comfortable, undemanding flavour.