Pusser’s Rum

Pusser’s Rum is best known for it’s legacy as the rum of the British Navy.  Long ago, the British Navy used to give their soliders rations of rum or ‘tots’.  Do to concerns about alcohol consumption among sailors, the British Navy ended this practice in 1970.  Leaving service, many of these soldiers desired their favorite tots, and with some entrepreneurial spirit Pusser’s makes a blue label Navy Style rum to help fit the bill.

Pusser’s Rum

Sight:  A bright caramelly brown.

Smell:  A touch of heat wafts off the top, giving way to a burst of molasses like brown sugars and spices.  A certain funk hangs around and a then this beautiful salted caramel seems to wrap around it.   A touch of ripe tropical fruit exists, boarding into roasted pineapple.

Sip:  The body is lighter than you might expect, but gradually builds in flavor and intensity.  This interesting start of rum esters starts things out before getting increasingly spiced and oaky.  This amazing things starts to happen as it sits on the palate, releasing notes of molasses, roasted coconut, and fresh caramel with touches of nuts.  I never really gets sweet, yet gives off those sweet flavor elements.  There is some heat that grows with the flavor.

Savor:  The ending leaves the woodsy spice and a healthy dosage of ester notes and tannin.  The fruitiness, molasses notes, and caramel character is very in line with the expectation of a darker rum.

Pusser’s Rum is an iconic blend and really does strike all the right notes for a a light to moderately aged rum.  It has a little to moderate rum funk, but it also gets a little sweet and a little fruit.  It’s definitely not something you’d want to sit and sip on, but as it lingers, it does give off an inviting personality.  For all these reasons, it’s a great mixing rum – that’s is sometimes difficult for those new to the spirit.

In Cocktails

In cocktails Pusser’s is one of our favorite rums to split.  While the flavor profile can get a little aggressive on it’s own, it adds so much depth to other rums when used as a compliment.    Those molasses notes build on the spice and fruit of the other rum, making both more expressive.  For these reasons, it’s frequently seen around Tiki cocktails, but deserves considerations for Cuba Libre’s and other rum drinks.

However, in our standard daiquiri test Pusser’s becomes somewhat problematic.  While dark rums can get a little aggressive in a daiquiri, Pusser’s actually pulls it into the world of funk, wood, and molasses.   Daiquiris though, are not where Pusser’s truly shines.

Perhaps the most well known drink, one that some say exclusively requires Pusser’s, is the Painkiller.  A delightful concoction of coconut cream, pineapple, orange, and Pusser’s, the Painkiller ends up being soothingly creamy and tropical with just enough spice to belie the fact that you’re slipping away into relaxation land.  On it’s own, the Painkiller deserves your consideration (and a possible bottle of Pusser’s).

Pusser’s Overall

Pusser’s Rum is a bully of flavor, but one that’s deliciously put together.  While it’s not as versatile or restrained as some of the other rums, it delivers an in your face, unapologetic character to the drinks it’s used in.  For this reason, it’s a recommended bottle for lovers of rum drinks and those looking to bolster their bar’s rum selection – without breaking the bank.