HMS Victory Navy Strength Rum is bottled at 57% ABV by the Isle of Wight Distillery. It is a specially blended rum made with rums from around the Caribbean, including Demerara Rum from Guyana and rums from Trinidad and Jamaica. The Caribbean rums are blended and shipped to the Isle of Wight before it is transferred to rest in casks using an oak stave from HMS Victory herself, adding an extra depth of character from the Royal Navy’s most illustrious warship. It is also available in 5cl miniatures.
HMS Victory Navy Strength Rum is designed to be reminiscent of the taste of traditional ‘Rum Tots’ issued on board naval ships. HMS Victory Navy Strength Rum was launched on board HMS Victory on 31st July 2018 to coincide with ‘Black Tot Day’, that fateful day in 1970 on which the last daily rum ration (the tot) was issued to Royal Navy Sailors.
HMS Victory Navy Strength Rum is produced in partnership, and under license, with The National Museum of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth, where HMS Victory is on display. HMS Victory was launched in 1765 and is the oldest commissioned warship in the world. A portion of the proceeds from this gin goes towards the ongoing restoration of this historic ship.
HMS Victory Navy Strength Rum is designed to be reminiscent of the taste of traditional ‘Rum Tots’ issued on board naval ships. HMS Victory Navy Strength Rum was launched on board HMS Victory on 31st July 2018 to coincide with ‘Black Tot Day’, that fateful day in 1970 on which the last daily rum ration (the tot) was issued to Royal Navy Sailors.
In the eighteenth century, all Royal Naval ships had to carry on board a quantity of 100° proof gin. This was measured slightly differently then, but this equates to the modern measure of 57% ABV. It was discovered that gunpowder soaked in alcohol with a strength of more than 57% could still be ignited, and this became the standard test for Navy Strength or ‘gunpowder proof’ gin, to make sure that supplies had not been watered down.
However, 54.5% ABV is recognised as the traditional British Navy Strength for rum, reflecting the alleged strength of Naval rum rations in the 18th and 19th centuries. This ABV is used in rums like the Portsmouth Distillery Dark Navy Rum and Pusser’s Gunpowder Proof Rum, for example.
The Isle of Wight Distillery was founded by a winemaker and a brewer who had long thought about making a gin. Conrad Gauntlet started growing vines and making wine at Rosemary vineyard in 1985 and, with over 30 acres of vineyards, is one of the largest wine producers on the Isle of Wight. Xavier Baker has been brewing beer since 1995 and first cut his teeth at the Ventnor Brewery and, after a couple of detours in whisky (Ireland and Scotland), Isle of Wight Distillery, he eventually arrived at Goddard’s Brewery near Ryde. The pair soon met, and a plan to produce Gin was conceived.
The Isle of Wight Distillery produces a range of hand-crafted spirits, including Mermaid Gin, a smooth London Dry Gin with 10 botanicals like rock samphire and Boadicea hops; Mermaid Zest Gin, with vibrant citrus notes; Mermaid Spiced Rum, a coastal-inspired premium rum; Mermaid Salt Vodka, featuring a salty edge from local sea salt; and two HMS Victory spirits – a Navy Strength Gin and this Barrel-Aged Rum.
HMS Victory Navy Strength Rum has a bold yet smooth profile. Its nose reveals gentle vanilla, oak, and hints of molasses and liquorice, while the palate bursts with tropical fruits, brown sugar, and lemongrass, followed by intense molasses and spice. The long, complex finish weaves oak, vanilla, and Christmas spices.
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