Distiller Notes
The term Navy Strength dates back to a time when sailors would voyage the oceans carrying large quantities of rum barrels (making them vulnerable to attack from other ships). In the days of cannonballs, wet gunpowder that could not light would be a death sentence in battle. So, it was essential any rum spilled would itself be flammable and so the gunpowder could still be used. This was tested by mixing a little spirit with gunpowder and setting it alight. If it burnt, it was said to be 100 degrees proof. The Navy Strength used in the US was 57.1%.
From pirate life on the open sea to Caribbean island paradises, perhaps no other spirit evokes such a romantic history as Rum. Made through fermentation and distillation of molasses or the fresh-pressed juice of sugar cane, Rums range from 20% to over 70% alcohol and come in a variety of tones from clear to dark. Highest quality Rums are generally produced in pot stills and aged in wood, while less expensive Clear or “White” Rums are produced in column stills and bottled without barrel aging. Naturally, Rums form the base of tropical cocktails like Daquiris and Mojitos.