Guyana - Pusser's Rum Gunpowder Proof 54.5%
Pusser’s Rum Gunpowder Proof is the highest proof rum in the 24 Days of Rum box.
The story of Gunpowder Proof Rum began in the days of ‘wooden ships and iron men,’ when Royal Navy sailors were issued a daily ‘tot’ of rum on board ship, rationed out by the ship’s ‘Purser’ (known as ‘Pusser’ to the sailors). To shut down claims of watered-down rum, the Pusser would douse a few grains of gunpowder in the rum and attempt to light it. If the mix ignited, the rum was ‘at proof.’ If not, the pusser might find himself tossed to sea. This beloved tradition continued for over 300 years until the Admiralty ended the daily rum ration on 31 July 1970–now known as Black Tot Day.
After distillation, the rum is aged for a minimum of three years in charred oak bourbon barrels—imparting additional smoothness and flavor. The tropical climate in Guyana helps the rum reach its maturity faster than spirits aged in higher latitudes. Pusser’s Rum is all natural – no artificial flavouring or colouring is added.
About Pusser’s Rum
Pusser’s Rum rums are blended to create the ideal balance of naturally occurring flavouring compounds known as “esters” and “congeners.” The molasses used in each of the contributing stills comes from sugar cane grown in the Demerara River Valley—once the home of 300 sugar cane estates each with its own distillery. This geographic region has been renowned for its production and worldwide distribution of sugar since the 1600s. It is often referred to as the “Valley of Navy Rum.”
Tasting notes
The Author: Volatile, brown sugar booze, spicy, vanilla bean syrup
Rum partner: Harsh/honey, burnt brown sugar, toffee on the finish
Rum rating
| The Author | Rum partner | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smell | 3 stars | 2 stars | 2.5 stars |
| Taste | 4 stars | 2 stars | 3 stars |
| Overall | 3 stars | 2 stars | 2.5 stars |
Additional rum resources
- Day 3 on 24 Days of Rum
- Pusser’s Rum - official website
About Guyana
Guyana, a country on South America’s North Atlantic coast, is defined by its dense rainforest. English-speaking, with cricket and calypso music, it’s culturally connected to the Caribbean region. Its capital, Georgetown, is known for British colonial architecture, including tall, painted-timber St. George’s Anglican Cathedral. A large clock marks the facade of Stabroek Market, a source of local produce.
Should we visit Guyana?
Pros
- 80% virgin rainforest
- Waterfall that is five times the height of Niagara Falls
Cons
- Jonestown?
Fun fact about Guyana
In a country of less than 1 million people where English is the official language, there are also 10 recognized languages in Guyana.
Travel rating
| The Author | Travel partner | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Want to visit | 2 stars | 2 stars | 2 stars |