Pusser's 'Gunpowder Proof' Black Label (previously known as Blue Label) is a higher proof traditional British Naval rum, produced using the blending recipe from the Admiralty. Well loved, it picked up a Trophy at the International Spirits Challenge 2016.
The nose is full of dried fruits, dates, prunes, slightly overripe figs. The palate is very sweet, plenty of dark, syrupy, stewed fruits. An interesting pot still character with a pleasant muddiness. Full-bodied. The finish is incredibly long and dark.
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I'm old enough to have known some salty sea dogs who grew up with navy-style (and navy strength) rum, and the names Pussers and Woods are legendary amongst them. No late night "stay behind" was complete without one of these behemoths magically appearing from behind the bar and shots (tots?) "fired". Yet in 45 years of exposure to these brands, up to now I had never tried them together. So, here - finally - we go. Firstly, I've got to say, they're both very similar in many ways: they're a similar alcoholic strength at around 56-57%, I'd say significantly more than the standard 40% without being too strong to drink neat. The style is very similar, too. Dark, rich, dry fruit and spice, obviously boozy (I always think of Christmas cake). There's not much sophistication to them, both aren't blended with very old rum, and drunk neat there's little in the way of a finish - apart from a pleasant alcohol burn! In this respect I think the Pussers wins, but its a close thing. I tried them in cola (my son insists only Pepsi max will do) and they both mixed well, and being fairly strong - flavour and alcohol - neither were swamped by the cloying cola sweetness, but . It was only when i mixed them with ginger beer (my favourite) that the difference was, weirdly accentuated. Pussers developed a slightly unpleasant "engine room" aftertaste, while the fruitcake flavour of the Woods shone through. Given how similar they are, I was rather surprised by this, but my partner and son both remarked on it so it must be true! Which one would I buy? If it was on cost alone I'd say Woods; the price difference isn't as extreme as it was a couple of years ago, when you could often pick up a Woods on offer at a supermarket, but there's still at least £10 difference. Neither of these would normally be classed as sippers, but the Pussers takes the win in that respect. If all your going to do is add it to a mixer, then Woods has the edge. And if you think these are strong, let me tell you about Goslings 151.....
Pusser's is one of the best rums on the market. The best Navy rum which is bleneded to the Navy's standards. Gunpowder Proof and Gunpowder Proof Spiced make the best rum and cokes and dark and stormy drinks.
This is excellent rum and reasonably priced. Thoroughly recommended
If you are looking for a good honest navy rum then this is it. Can't fault it.
The members of the organisations I belong to all enjoy their tot at the meeting. Not surprisingly we are mostly ex Royal Naval personnel
