Objective Notes
Harsh (on the RnD scale of Harsh-Smooth-Very Smooth-Extremely Smooth)

The first thing you notice when you pour Pusser’s Rum into a glass is the dark brown color. Obviously added color due to the age of the rum. You’ll notice a strong alcohol and slight molasses flavor upon your first sip. It confronts your mouth with warmth and a little fire but not too much. Hints of pepper, bitter almond (and vanilla due to the fact that I put a vanilla bean in the bottle for several days to soften the taste some - which it did). This rum lets you know it’s young and untamed. It comes in a handsome bottle with a cork closure.

Anecdotal Notes
Pusser’s Rum is well known in the British Virgin Islands and the UK. It has a long history being the “Official” Rum of the British Royal Navy served daily to sailors for over 300 years. Now in modern form it’s a blend of rums from Trinidad, Guyana, and the BVIs still made industrial style from in the continuous pot still method which is claimed to impart better flavors. Many people today who sail or visit the BVIs will no doubt have tasted Pusser’s Rum. Pusser’s is also a chain of several restaurant/bar/gift stores throughout the islands whose signature drink is the Pusser’s Painkiller.

I had my first Painkiller in April of 2000 while waiting to board a tall ship in Roadtown on Tortola. It was a warm day and we had just met new friends who would sail with us that week in the bar. After a couple of painkillers all worries and troubles seem to go away. On our most recent trip in April 2006, of course we had more painkillers but also tried Lord Nelson’s Blood and the official Pusser’s “Grog”. Now, I love the history of the Caribbean, but I understand why Grog is considered the first real cocktail and why it isn’t on many drink menus. It’s a fairly simple recipe consisting of Pusser’s Rum, water, lime juice and voila! you have Grog. Of course you should drink grog or painkillers in your very own “tin cup” mug just like the British sailors of old.

Taster’s Opinion
Roger - Pusser’s is fun souvenir rum to buy while in the BVIs as the price there is reasonable, and many people buy it to take home. Frankly on Tortola there are only a few different rums available, so you pay for the history and name with this rum. Lately it has become more popular in the States, where it’s priced fairly high for its style and age. This is a rum that is meant for cocktails and mixed drinks. It isn’t a house favorite of mine, but I do recommend if for painkillers and other rum cocktails.

Taster's Rating (10 is best):  Roger - 6.0 flasks

Most recently reviewed by: Roger in November, 2006 at RnD's North tasting room in USA.

*750ml unless otherwise stated.