Pusser's British Navy Rum: The Original Spirit of Naval Tradition
Step aboard a piece of living history with Pusser's British Navy Rum, the only rum blended in exact accordance with the Royal Navy's historical specifications for its daily rum ration. From 1655 until "Black Tot Day" on July 31, 1970, this robust spirit fueled the British Navy, maintaining morale and solidifying its place in maritime legend. Pusser's Rum is not just a drink; it's a taste of three centuries of naval heritage, bottled for today's discerning rum enthusiast.
The name "Pusser's" is Royal Navy slang for "Purser," the ship's supply officer responsible for doling out the daily "tot" of rum. Almost a decade after the ration was discontinued, company founder Charles Tobias obtained the rights to the original Admiralty recipe in 1979, resurrecting this iconic spirit for public enjoyment.
Pusser's British Navy Rum is a meticulously crafted blend of five West Indian rums, primarily sourced from stills in Guyana (Demerara Distillers Ltd.) and historically including components from Trinidad. Its distinctive, full-bodied character is heavily influenced by distillate from the legendary Port Mourant Double Wooden Pot Still in Guyana, which dates back to 1732. These ancient wooden stills impart a unique, rich flavor profile unmatched by modern metal stills. The rum is crafted from sugarcane molasses grown in the fertile Demerara River Valley. Following distillation, the blend is aged for a minimum of three years in charred oak bourbon barrels, adding smoothness and depth. Pusser's prides itself on being all-natural, never artificially flavored or colored.
Pusser's offers various proofs, but the most common for general sale is typically 42% ABV (84 Proof) (often labeled "Blue Label"), while the historically accurate "Gunpowder Proof" is 54.5% ABV (109 Proof).
Key Characteristics:
- Authentic British Navy Rum: Blended to the exact specifications of the Royal Navy's historical rum ration (pre-1970).
- Historical Significance: Directly linked to the 300-year tradition of the "daily tot" for British sailors.
- Caribbean Blend: A complex marriage of rums from Guyana (especially from the wooden pot stills) and Trinidad.
- Molasses-Based: Crafted from high-quality Demerara sugarcane molasses.
- Aged in Charred Oak: Matured for a minimum of three years in charred oak bourbon barrels.
- All-Natural: No artificial flavors or colors added.
- Versatile Proof (42% ABV): Perfect for sipping or classic cocktails.
Tasting Notes (for the 42% ABV/84 Proof "Blue Label"):
- Appearance: Clear, dark amber.
- Nose: Rich and inviting, with classic aromas of Demerara sugar, dark molasses, treacle, and dried fruits (raisins, currants). Hints of vanilla, caramel, and warm island spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger) intertwine.
- Palate: Full-bodied and exceptionally smooth, coating the palate with a luxurious sweetness. Flavors of toffee, brown sugar, and rich molasses are balanced by notes of cooked fruit (like banana), subtle oak, and a pleasing peppery spice. It offers remarkable depth for its proof.
- Finish: Long, warm, and mellow, with lingering notes of dark caramel, spice, and a satisfying richness.
Awards & Recognition:
Pusser's British Navy Rum is a highly decorated spirit, consistently receiving top honors:
- Multiple Gold and Double Gold Medals at prestigious competitions like the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, World Rum Awards, and the International Spirits Challenge across its various expressions (Blue Label, Gunpowder Proof, Aged 15 Years).
- Often hailed as "The Single Malt of Rum" by Forbes Magazine.
Overall Impression:
Pusser's British Navy Rum is an essential addition for rum connoisseurs and history buffs alike. Its unparalleled connection to naval heritage, combined with its rich, full-bodied flavor profile, makes it a truly unique experience. It's the original and authentic choice for classic rum cocktails like the famous Painkiller (Pusser's even holds the trademark!), a rich Rum Old Fashioned, or simply enjoyed neat or on the rocks to savor a taste of liquid history.
