Pusser's
Pusser’s RumLtd., based in the British Virgin Islands, is renowned for faithfully recreating the historic Royal Navy rum blend using the Admiralty’s original specifications. This dedication to authenticity has made Pusser’s a symbol of nautical tradition and craftsmanship worldwide.
The tradition of the daily “tot” of rum—issued to Royal Navy sailors from 1655 until Black Tot Day on July 31, 1970—is at the heart of Pusser’s identity. After the Navy discontinued the daily ration, entrepreneur Charles Tobias secured the rights to the Admiralty’s original recipe in 1979, launching Pusser’s Rum as a commercial brand. A portion of proceeds, through royalties, continues to support the Royal Navy’s Tot Fund, maintaining a living link to naval heritage.
Production & Blend
The rum is a blend of five West Indian rums, sourced from distilleries including Guyana (notably using wooden pot stills at Demerara), among others.
Production is strictly traditional, with no artificial flavoring or coloring—only a trace of caramel is used to ensure consistent color across batches. This commitment to purity preserves the rum’s robust, authentic character.
Among its signature expressions, Gunpowder Proof is bottled at the historic Admiralty strength of 54.5% ABV—the classic Navy Rum proof—staying true to original naval specifications and delivering the bold intensity once favored by sailors at sea.
Expressions / Key Lines
Pusser’s offers a distinctive range of expressions tailored to both tradition and modern tastes, including:
Blue Label British Navy Rum (the classic standard-strength navy blend).
Gunpowder Proof (54.5% ABV—naval strength), Aged expressions (for example, 15-year-old).
Spiced Rum & Special/Overproof Releases (offering innovation and variety for adventurous drinkers.
Tasting Profile
Flavor tends to be robust, rich, and full-bodied, with strong notes of molasses, toffee, caramel, vanilla, spice (including nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger), oak, and dried fruit. The aged and proof variants exhibit greater complexity and a deeper influence of wood.
Heritage & Branding
The name “Pusser” is a nautical term derived from “Purser”—the Royal Navy officer responsible for issuing the daily rum ration to sailors. This connection underscores the brand’s deep roots in maritime history.
Black Tot Day (31 July 1970) marks the day the Navy discontinued the daily tot, an event central to Pusser’s storytelling.
A portion of proceeds from every bottle of Pusser’s supports the Royal Navy Tot Fund—a naval charity—preserving the brand’s enduring ties to naval tradition and community support.
