Pussers Gunpowder Proof British Navy Rum 70 cl 54.5%

Before modern hydrometers existed, the British Navy tested rum strength by pouring it over gunpowder and lighting it. If the powder still ignited with a steady blue flame, the strength was correct. Gunpowder Proof is Pusser's tribute to that exact strength.

Expert Description

Pusser's Gunpowder Proof is a Rum from Barbados and the British Virgin Islands, bottled at the original admiralty strength of 54.5%.

The rum is built on the same historic recipe as the house's standard British Navy expression, but is bottled at the precise "gunpowder proof" strength the navy used for its gunpowder test, back when alcohol meters didn't yet exist. The blend follows the admiralty's original recipe, as used until the Royal Navy officially discontinued the daily rum tot on 31 July 1970.

The higher strength gives a more concentrated flavour experience than the standard expression, with a deeper, more warming character that underscores the rum's roots as a spirit built to hold up on a ship for months at a time.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Pungent molasses, treacle, caramel, honey and vanilla, complemented by oak, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.

Palate

Full-bodied and robust with caramel, banana bread, spice cake and roasted nuts.

Finish

Long, warming and lightly smoky with lingering molasses and oak.

Specifications

Name: Pusser's Gunpowder Proof
Bottler: Pusser's Rum
Region/Country: Barbados / British Virgin Islands
Type: Rum
ABV: 54.5%
Size: 70 CL
Cask Type: Charred oak barrels
Serving Suggestion: Neat or in a robust Navy Grog

Flavour Profile

Powerful · Molasses-forward · Spiced · Warming · Robust

Did You Know?

The name Gunpowder Proof comes from the historic method sailors used to verify their rum tot hadn't been watered down by a dishonest quartermaster: mixed with gunpowder, the rum still had to be able to ignite the flame.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Pusser's Gunpowder Proof

What is Pusser's Gunpowder Proof?

It's a rum from Barbados and the British Virgin Islands, bottled at the historic admiralty strength of 54.5%, built on the Royal Navy's original recipe.

What does the name Gunpowder Proof mean?

The name refers to the historic gunpowder test sailors used to verify their rum tot had the correct strength: mixed with gunpowder, the rum still had to be able to ignite the flame.

What does Pusser's Gunpowder Proof taste like?

It tastes powerfully of molasses, treacle, caramel and honey, with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger and a long, warming, lightly smoky finish.

What's the difference between Gunpowder Proof and the standard British Navy expression?

Gunpowder Proof is bottled at the historic, higher admiralty strength of 54.5%, while the standard expression is bottled at 40%, giving Gunpowder Proof a more concentrated, powerful flavour experience.

How should Pusser's Gunpowder Proof be enjoyed?

It can be enjoyed neat for the full, powerful experience, or used in a robust cocktail such as a Navy Grog, where the strength can carry through citrus and spice.

When did the Royal Navy's rum tot tradition end?

The tradition of the daily rum tot was officially discontinued by the Royal Navy on 31 July 1970, and Gunpowder Proof follows the original blend recipe as used until then.