MERCANTILE

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Pusser 's 'Gunpowder Proof ' is a traditional Royal Navy style rum produced at original Admiralty strength and in accordance with the Admiralty 's blending recipe last used when the Royal Navy discontinued its daily ration on 31 July 1970.

Gunpowder Proof: Prior to the invention of the hydrometer, the Royal Navy ship 's 'Pusser ' shutdown claims of watering down sailors ' daily tots by dousing a bit of gunpowder in the rum and attempting to light. If the mixture ignited, the rum was 'at proof. ' If it didn 't, the Pusser might find himself tossed to sea.

Alc/Vol: 54.5%

Color: Clear, dark coppery amber with burnished copper highlights
Nose: Pungent molasses, treacle, toffee, honey and vanilla with oak, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger
Body: Full-bodied with a more enhanced flavour profile than the lower proof Blue Label
Finish: Long finish, and despite its strength, smooth and mellow

Please note: Due to liquor laws and restrictions, this decanter is sold empty.

This Decanter pays tribute to the magnificent sport of modern yacht racing, which had its beginnings in the 1600 's. Many consider that the first recorded yacht race took place under King Charles II on September 6, 1662 on a race out of Greenwich, England. Since then, modern yachts and rigs have evolved from the heavier, cumbersome vessels of those early days to the sleek, greyhounds of the seas of today.

The major design around the base of the decanter depicts most all of the modern rigs that are sailing today, including the popular one-design classes. The original art was commissioned by Pusser 's and painted by Antony Blake of New Zealand. Mr. Blake is recognized as one of the world 's foremost marine artists.

The large, hand-cast ceramic stopper has a countersunk center into which a colorful PUSSER 'S NAVY RUM life ring logo has been placed. The stopper 's edges are trimmed in gold, and frame the flag signal for 'Splice the Main Brace! ' which is also repeated in written script. The Killick 's Fouled Anchor, the official anchor of the Royal Navy, is repeated in gold on the decanter 's neck.

Please note: Due to liquor laws and restrictions, this decanter is sold empty. Decanter includes cork stopper.

This Decanter commemorates Nelson 's great victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, October 21^st, 1805. On that day, Great Britain 's Royal Navy won its greatest victory and lost its greatest hero, Vice Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson. A limited edition of not more than 36,000 hand cast decanters have been commissioned for worldwide distribution, a small number for so large a market.

There are four major designs around the body of the decanter, three of them depicting scenes from the greatest naval engagements that Nelson lead or played the major role in. Three smaller cameos adorn the shoulder. The Rope Bumper around the decanters base was produced at the ropery and on the same machinery that made all the original rope for H.M.S. VICTORY.

Pusser's Rum is also known to the Navy as 'Nelson's Blood'. Unfortunately, in the heat of battle at Trafalgar, Nelson was mortally wounded by a French sharpshooter. At the end of the battle, legend has it that they placed his body in a large puncheon (cask) of Admiralty rum to preserve it for the long voyage back to England. Months later upon arrival at Portsmouth, his pickled body was removed, but most of the rum was gone. The sailors had drilled a small hole at the base of the cask, and drank all the rum, thereby drinking of 'Nelson's Blood' which since has been synonymous with the name Pusser's Rum.

*Distributed in the UK Only

Available at these fine online retailers:

• Amazon UK
• Nauticalia
• The Whiskey Exchange
• Farham Wine Cellar
• Drink Finder
  
• Master of Malt
• Whiskey Online
• Drinks Direct
  
• Drink Finder
• Royal Navy Shop
• Royal Marines Shop
• Harvey Nichols
• Drink Supermarket
  
• The Drinks Basket
• The Bottle Club
• The Secret Bottle Shop
• Hard to Find Whisky

Prior to the introduction of the Sikes Hydrometer, in 1816, the ship 's Purser, or 'Pusser ', tested the strength of the daily issue by mixing neat rum, with a little water, to which was added a few gunpowder grains. When the mixture was heated through a burning glass, the gunpowder ignited, and the rum was served at that strength. When the method was tested by hydrometer, it was found to be 109% proof {54.5% ABV}. Consequently, the Pusser 's rum remained at 'Gunpowder ' strength, 109% Proof, until the daily issue was terminated, on 31st July 1970, known as Black Tot Day.

Alc/Vol: 54.5%
Origin: Guyana
Finish: Long and extremely smooth finish despite its high alcohol content
Colour: Clear, dark, coppery amber with burnished copper highlights
Nose: Molasses, Banana, Chocolate, Vanilla, Cinnamon and mild ginger

Press Release: Pusser's Rum Launches Gunpowder Proof Spiced

To commemorate the 50^th Anniversary of this historic event, Pusser 's Rum LTD proudly introduces its Limited Edition 50^th Anniversary Rum, a special combination of aged Trinidad and Guyana rums blended at 54.5% ABV (109 Proof) and to the exact specification used by the Admiralty when it discontinued the issue. The Rum is a product of five stills, three in Guyana and two in Trinidad. The award-winning taste of this blend is heavily influenced by distillate from the vintage Greenheart double wooden pot still originally constructed at the Port Mourant Estate which was first placed in service in 1732.

The taste is a touch of what has become known as 'classic Demerara ' with a warm mix of rich molasses and sweet brown sugar, and a complex blend of the island spices of nutmeg, clove, and cassia mingled with notes of sultanas, prunes, and exotic tropical fruits. The Anniversary Blend ends with a finish of soft oak, toasty caramel, and the crowd-pleasing taste of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth English toffee. Master Distillers call it a 'perfect balance. '