Pusser’s Gunpowder Strength Navy Rum. For hundreds of years dating back to the British colonization era, sailors in the British Royal Navy were given a daily ration of rum, at one point up to a cup a day!

As modern technology advanced with more dangerous and complex weapons, the daily “tot” (as it was called) was slowly reduced and eventually eliminated on the fateful day of July 31, 1970 – Black Tot Day. 9 years after Black Tot Day, the recipe for the Royal Navy rum was acquired and productionized by what is now Pusser’s Rum, made in accordance with the original Admiralty recipe using a blend of #rums from the old British West Indies (a region of the Caribbean). This “gunpowder” proof version clocks in at a hefty 54.5% – the original recipe strength.

On that note, ever wonder where the term “proof” came from for describing alcohol content? Well…in order to ensure the rum rations weren’t watered down, sailors would douse a bit in gunpowder to see if it would ignite – if so, it was considered “proof” of its legitimacy, and otherwise was “under proof.”