Black Tot launches solera-aged rum

Elixir Distillers-owned brand Black Tot Rum has expanded its core range with a new permanent expression: Historic Solera Rum.

The expression was crafted with a blend of rums from Guyana, Barbados and Jamaica, aged using the solera method. The traditional blending method honours the Sherry bodegas from which their historic solera casks originated. Black Tot's entry is also said to mark the first time a blend of rums from the three countries has been produced using a traditional solera process. Oliver Chilton, master blender of Black Tot Rum, said of the release; “Historic Solera started life as a passion project. We sought to elevate our Black Tot rum blend with the richer, dark fruit notes associated with Sherry, but traditional finishing methods fell short. "After visiting Jerez, I fell in love with solera blending, and the regular movement between the layers helped create consistency.” The brand added that in a traditional solera, 'the magic lies in blending spirits of various ages in a tiered barrel-aging process'. For Black Tot Historic Solera, this process consists of three tiers. At each tier, younger rum interacts with the concentrated older rums left in the barrel, acquiring richer characteristics. This continuous marriage of spirits results in an expression that showcases 'remarkable depth of character' and 'consistency'. The process cannot be replicated using seasoned casks or vatting. Black Tot Historic Solera begins with Black Tot Finest Caribbean rum, which is aged up to two years in first fill oloroso and Pedro Ximenez Sherry butts before entering the three-tier solera system. The rum is aged for one year in each tier before being moved to the next tier. When the rum is taken from the final tier, it results in a rich flavour profile with notes of figs, plums, chocolate, warming winter spices, and lightly roasted coffee. The finish is long, with hints of charred citrus zest that develop into ripe tropical fruits. Chilton concluded: “We’ve achieved a seamless integration of flavours. I am so pleased with what we have created in Historic Solera and look forward to sharing it with the world." Black Tot Historic Solera Rum is bottled at 46.2% ABV and will be available in late October at selected retailers for an RRP of £64.95 (US$85). Earlier this year, the brand unveiled its fifth annual release of Black Tot Master Blender’s Reserve rum.