Navy rum, also known as Navy Strength rum, is a specific type of rum that has a higher alcohol content than traditional rums. It is believed to have originated in the British Royal Navy, where it was used as a daily ration for sailors. The reason why navy rum is 57% alcohol by volume, or 114 proof, can be traced back to historical factors and practical considerations.
One of the main reasons for the higher alcohol content of navy rum is its intended use in the British Navy. Sailors were given a daily ration of rum, known as a “tot,” as part of their daily provisions. This ration was meant to boost morale, provide some warmth in cold weather, and serve as a disinfectant for wounds. However, the rum had to be strong enough to remain flammable in case it needed to be used to ignite gunpowder on the ship. Hence, the term “gunpowder test” was used to determine the proof of the rum.
To ensure that the rum met the necessary strength requirements, a test called the gunpowder test was conducted. Gunpowder was soaked in the rum and then ignited. If the rum had a high enough alcohol content, it would burn with a blue flame, indicating that it was “proofed” and suitable for naval use. If the rum did not burn or burned with a yellow flame, it was considered to be below proof and unfit for consumption on board.
The specific proof of navy rum, 57% alc./vol. or 114 proof, was determined through a series of experiments and tests conducted by the British Navy. They collected 100 samples of rum diluted to proof using the old gunpowder test and then measured the proof of each sample using one of the new hydrometers. After analyzing the results, it was found that the average proof of these samples was 95.5 on the Sikes scale, which equated to 54.5% alc./vol. This strength was then rounded up to 57% alc./vol. to ensure a consistent and reliable proof for navy rum.
The adoption of 57% alc./vol. as the standard Navy Strength was a practical decision. It provided a balance between a high enough alcohol content to meet the requirements of the gunpowder test and a palatable taste for the sailors. Additionally, the higher alcohol content also helped preserve the rum during long voyages, preventing spoilage and ensuring its quality.
Navy rum is 57% alcohol by volume, or 114 proof, due to historical factors and practical considerations. It needed to meet the requirements of the gunpowder test, ensuring it was strong enough to ignite gunpowder if necessary. The adoption of this specific strength was based on experiments and tests conducted by the British Navy to determine the average proof of rum samples. This strength provided a balance between meeting the naval requirements and maintaining a palatable taste for the sailors.