Prior to the invention of the hydrometer, the ship's purser shutdown claims of watering down sailors' daily tot by mixing a few grains of gunpowder to the rum to see if it would burn. If the mixture ignited, the rum was "at proof." If it didn't, the purser might find himself tossed to sea. Color is clear, dark coppery amber with burnished copper highlights. Pungent molasses, treacle, toffee, honey and vanilla with oak, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger on the nose. Full-bodied witha more enhanced flavour profile. Long finish, and despite its strength, smooth and mellow.