A Historic Rum

Pusser (short for Purser), a name synonymous with joy for English sailors from 1655 to 1970. Named after the man who distributed the daily ration of rum to sailors to give them courage... for over 300 years. It was finally in 1979 that the Royal Navy revealed the recipe for its drink to Charles Tobias, an entrepreneur and former sailor, who marketed it as a souvenir of the troops and the battles fought. All we know is that it comes from blending rums from different sources (Demerara (Guyana region), Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad). Rums distilled from pot stills, but also - and above all - from wooden pot stills, which give this rum all its richness and uniqueness.  Wooden stills over 200 years old, of which only two examples remain, including that of Port Mourant from the Diamond distillery.

Price : from simple to double depending on where you find it… from €40 to… €85, no less. As for the rest of your purchases, don't hesitate to search on the net, it will allow you - among other things - to buy more 😉

Age : it is a blend of different rums from different sources, with the particularity of containing rum distilled from wooden pot stills; this is what makes it its main interest, its history and its success. All aged for 15 (real) years and without any addition of additives.

So here we are in front of an authentic sailor's rum with an ancestral recipe, but don't be fooled by appearances, this is a light version (at 40°) of the one once offered to soldiers. For those who would like more strength in their glass, know that there are two other rums from the Pusser brand, less aged certainly, but with respectively 54.5° and 75° (advice to enthusiasts).

The nose is typical of Demerara rums, and this is not a surprise since the rum is mainly distilled in a double wooden pot still, giving a nose loaded with so-called 'heavy' aromas, the result of the rum passing through wood that has seen others for over 200 years, a wood therefore loaded with congeners (natural substances resulting from alcoholic fermentation). A nose rich in brown sugar tinged with old wood and spices, all melted in a mixture that gives a slight bite. We discover notes of cocoa, a hint of vanilla, and certainly cinnamon for the spices . A fairly complex nose, in which all the aromas work together. After a certain rest, a more pungent smell emerges, a rancio smell suggesting the presence of grapes.

The attack is neither too sweet nor too hard, but powerful enough for a 40° rum; a raid of brown sugar and spices literally coats your palate, with this cinnamon still present. The mouth is rich and we can well imagine the spices warming our sailors on their boats for a long time : it is persistent and it stays with the woodiness in the background that is still there and the slightly acrid side already present on the nose. The woodiness is however different from usual, as if the essence of the wood was different, or else it is once again to be put down to the wooden still. It is very close to taking over a little too much, but let's say more simply that the character of Pusser rum asserts itself and stands out here from its competitors, bringing its own little personal touch.

And it is this taste that remains predominant during the finale, cheerfully taking over the rest, drowning spices and brown sugar in the sea . And this is perhaps where the problem lies, where our men let their guard down during the royal battle of their fleet. We expect more, something different in any case, more in keeping with the aromatic palette perceived on the nose. The finale is far from long (let's put that down to the efficiency of our troops!), but the warmth that the rum leaves in the throat makes up for it.

If you like old rums marked by this woody and spicy note, very muscular and with a strong character, then go for it. Pusser rum is one of a kind, and whether you like it or not, you will definitely come back to it. The finish is however disappointing compared to the beginning of the tasting, and would benefit from being more balanced and long in the mouth. But that does not detract from the quality of this rum which remains in addition to the historical side, a racy and quality rum! Note: 77

To help you (and me) find your way around, regarding the notes:

90 and + : exceptional and unique rum, it is the best of the best
between 85 and 89 : highly recommended rum, with that little something that makes the difference
between 80 and 84 : recommendable rum
75-79 POINTS : above average
70-74 POINTS : in the low average
less than 70 : not very good

Review courtesy of DuRhum.com.

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