Pusser’s Gunpowder Proof Rum

Pusser’s Gunpowder Proof Rum is a commanding Navy-strength expression crafted to honour the original Royal Navy daily tot. Produced to historic Admiralty specifications and bottled at formidable proof strength, it delivers deep Demerara richness, traditional pot-still weight and remarkable smoothness. For lovers of bold, authentic rum, this is maritime heritage in its purest form.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Deep mahogany in the glass with burnished copper flashes. The nose opens with treacle, dark chocolate and roasted espresso, followed by dried fruit, toasted oak and a subtle sea-salt edge. Full-bodied and velvety on the palate, with molasses, muscovado sugar, cinnamon and ginger spice layered over plums and raisins. The finish is long, warming and richly spiced with tobacco, burnt sugar and pepper.

Key Details

• Distillery: Pusser's Rum
• Type: Traditional Navy Style Rum
• Region: Guyana / British Virgin Islands
• ABV: 54.5%
• Volume: 700ml
• Stills: Heritage wooden pot stills
• Aging: Minimum 3 years in charred oak barrels
• Other: No added sugar; No artificial flavouring
• Signature Serve: Neat, with a drop of water, or in a classic Painkiller

Cocktail Pairings

The Ultimate Painkiller brings tropical coconut and pineapple against dark treacle richness; a Gunpowder Old Fashioned highlights oak and muscovado depth; an Overproof Mai Tai adds powerful pot-still backbone; Stormy Seas Highball lifts ginger spice with lime; Navy Strength Grog offers historic citrus bite; while a Maritime Espresso Martini turns decadent and intense.

Craftsmanship & Story

Founded to preserve the naval rum tradition after Black Tot Day in 1970, Pusser’s secured the final Admiralty recipe and continues producing rum in that authentic style. Its character is shaped by Guyana’s legendary wooden stills—living artefacts over two centuries old—which create an oily, weighty spirit impossible to mimic with modern industrial methods.

Special Features

Authentic Admiralty recipe; bottled at true Gunpowder Proof strength; heavily influenced by historic Guyanese wooden pot still distillate; no added sugar or artificial flavouring; iconic White Ensign label; and a rich, robust profile prized by enthusiasts of traditional Navy rum.

Recognition & Accolades

This celebrated Navy rum has earned international acclaim:

• Gold: World Rum Awards, 2023
• Gold: Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition, 2023
• Master: Global Rum Masters, 2018
• Master: Global Rum Masters, 2017
• 97/100 Points: Tastings.com, 2014
• Best Dark Rum of the Year: ISW Awards, 2021

Respected worldwide for authenticity, power and traditional craftsmanship.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

An exceptional gift for rum enthusiasts, naval history lovers and collectors of characterful spirits. Best enjoyed slowly neat, over a large cube, or in elevated classic cocktails where depth and strength matter.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.