Pusser’s Rum Review
Pusser’s Rum
Reviewed by Helen Jiggins
with help from Bob Jiggins
The three little bottles of Pusser’s Rum arrived, which led to an amusing evening of taste testing between my husband and I. There were three to choose from:
First was Pusser’s New Blue (40% ABV) – a lower alcohol version of Pusser’s Old Blue (made in the same way) and designed for use in cocktails.
Second, a Spiced variety – a flavoured rum with ginger, perfect with ice.
Third, Old Blue (54.5% ABV) itself, renamed Gunpowder Proof, a strong rounded robust rum made in the traditional way.
So after we each sample all three our conclusions were remarkably similar.
First, New Blue we felt was smoother and much lighter than the other two. It was easy-drinking, but warm and coated the tip of the tongue. Its pleasant, easy-going, warm flavour was tasty and quaffable with or without a mixer.
Second, the Spiced variety was much richer in flavour, warmer and sweeter than the other two, almost seasonal in its edge-of-tongue tangy flavouring.
Finally, Gunpowder proof felt much more “grown up”, with it’s woody, earthy, round taste. Much stronger and yet sweet in part. This top-of-tongue flavour was certainly more robust and the most “navy flavour” among the three.
We were surprised that rum could produce such complex flavours. In fact we both rushed to compare the experience to the difference between drinking a single malt whisky versus a blend. These deep and complicated flavours are perfect cocktail additives, but also work so well neat – they are not “rough” in the way one might expect of a navy rum. Oddly they may actually be nearer to the authentic navy rums than we realise, which were always described as complex and flavourful. The taste layers and the differing flavours tasted on the tongue are a real rum lovers treat. Pusser’s will be a treat in this household from now on!
Rating: 5/5 
Prices start from £18.99 (RRP)
Available at Selfridges, Amazon and www.thewhiskeyexchange.com.
