Navy Strength Rum
114 Proof
Flagship
Spirit Description
Our Navy Strength Rum is distilled from Black Pearl Caribbean Molasses. It is then aged in used Bourbon barrels. We release one barrel at a time when it has reached maturity. Bottled at 114 Proof, it displays characters of molasses, bubble gum, and oak.
Information & History
History
Barrel 21 Navy Strength Rum is a bold nod to maritime tradition—specifically, the storied relationship between high-proof rum and the British Royal Navy.
In 1655, after the Royal Navy captured Jamaica, sailors' daily rations shifted from beer and brandy to locally sourced Caribbean rum. Rum proved more resilient at sea and easier to store on long voyages through tropical climates. But there was one important caveat: strength mattered.
To ensure the rum hadn’t been watered down—or to check if it could be safely stored near gunpowder—officers used a simple test: they’d soak gunpowder with rum and try to ignite it. If the gunpowder still burned, the rum was considered “proof,” typically clocking in at 57% ABV, or what we now call 114 proof. If it didn’t light, the batch was rejected.
The term “Navy Strength” didn’t exist back then—but modern distillers adopted it to honor this tradition of unflinching proof and purity.
Our Barrel 21 Navy Strength Rum embraces that legacy, distilled from 100% Caribbean Black Pearl Molasses and bottled at full strength. It’s rich, robust, and unapologetically bold—just like the sailors who inspired it. Perfect for classic tiki cocktails, daiquiris with a punch, or sipping straight (if you dare).