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
The Most Perfectly Curated
Bar-In-A-Box
A Most Welcoming Gift