RUM

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OVERPROOF RUM

High Strength, Big Flavor, Endless Energy

Overproof Rum is bottled at higher-than-standard strength—usually 50% ABV or more—offering an intense, full-bodied version of traditional rum. These rums are not just about power; they deliver bold aromatics, concentrated flavor, and structure that shines in cocktails, punches, and tiki drinks. Whether clear or aged, overproof rums are essential tools for professional bartenders and adventurous home mixologists alike.

Key Characteristics

Overproof rums amplify everything—aroma, texture, spice, and heat. Despite their strength, many are surprisingly flavorful and nuanced, ranging from grassy and estery to deep and smoky, depending on origin and production method.

Style

High-alcohol rum (typically 50–75% ABV)

Body

Full

Alcohol

Typically 50–75.5% ABV
(151-proof bottlings are common, especially in tiki)

Base Material

Molasses or sugarcane juice

Typical Flavors

Overripe banana, caramel, tropical fruit, spice, funk, vanilla, roasted sugar, brine, pepper

Origin & History

Overproof rum has long roots in the Caribbean, where it was historically produced for trade, naval rations, and preservation. The iconic “151” rums became staples in American tiki bars of the mid-20th century. While often misunderstood as simply “strong,” modern overproof rums reflect high-quality base spirits made for mixing or sipping with care. Some are even bottled at cask strength by artisan producers.

How It’s Made

Made like any other rum—fermented and distilled from molasses or cane juice—overproof rum simply skips dilution to a lower bottling strength. Some are column-distilled and clean; others are pot-distilled for intensity and texture. The category includes both unaged white rums and aged expressions left at high proof to preserve bold character.

Notable Regions

Overproof rums are made globally, but standout styles come from:

Jamaica
Funky, fruity, and ester-driven white and gold overproofs (e.g., Wray & Nephew)

Guyana
Deep, rich 151-proof rums with Demerara character

Barbados & Trinidad
Balanced, smooth high-proof styles

United States
Craft distillers making unaged overproof white rums

French Caribbean
Agricole rhums bottled at 50–60% for punch and traditional serves

Cocktail Pairings

Overproof rum is a key player in tiki culture and tropical cocktails—adding body, fire, and lift.

Classic
Zombie, Jet Pilot, Mai Tai (as float), Navy Grog

Creative
Overproof mojito, passionfruit rum punch, spicy daiquiri with bitters

Seasonal
Hot rum punch, flaming nog, grilled pineapple colada

Food Pairings

Pair overproof rum with bold, spicy, or grilled dishes that can match its intensity.

Cheese
Aged Gruyère, blue cheese, smoked cheddar

Savory
Jerk pork, grilled lamb, barbacoa, sweet-and-spicy wings

Dessert
Pineapple upside-down cake, flambéed banana, spiced chocolate torte

How to Serve It


Glassware

Rocks or highball glass for cocktails; tasting glass for sipping (with water)

Temperature
Room temperature or chilled in cocktails

Storage
Store upright in a cool, dark place; extremely shelf-stable even after opening

Fun Fact

Historically, “overproof” meant rum strong enough to ignite—naval crews tested this by mixing rum with gunpowder. If it still lit, the rum was deemed “proof.”

Try This If You Like


Navy-Strength Gin
For cocktail strength and sharpness

High-Proof Bourbon
For power and structure

Mezcal
For intensity and layered smoke

Agricole Rhum
For bright, grassy punch with backbone

Bar None

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Dark & Spiced Rum

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Agricole Rhum & Cachaça