This Man Saved the Royal Navy’s Rum Recipe

A forgotten notebook. A chance encounter. The Royal Navy’s rum recipe stayed secret—until now.

Nov 24 • 

Matt Pietrek

5

1

Where Does Mount Gay’s New Silver Rum Fit In?

Mount Gay drops a new silver rum that's different than almost anything else on your shelf. What’s the scoop?

Nov 17 • 

Matt Pietrek

10

1

1

Charles Tobias, Pusser's Rum Founder, Passes

Remembering Charles Tobias: naval aviator, adventurer, and the man who brought Pusser's rum and the Painkiller to the world.

Nov 6 • 

Matt Pietrek

13

1

October 2025

Hurricane Melissa’s Impact on Jamaica’s Rum Makers

After Hurricane Melissa tore across Jamaica, the island’s rum makers face an uncertain road ahead. Here’s what we know so far—and what could come next.

Oct 30 • 

Matt Pietrek

21

5

What’s the Story with Ron del Barrilito?

Unmasking Puerto Rico’s most debated rum. Is Ron del Barrilito flavored, legit, or even the island’s oldest? The truth might surprise you.

Oct 7 • 

Matt Pietrek

19

5

3

September 2025

Jamaica Rum's 2024 GI Revisions Paused Per Court Order

A Jamaican court has put enforcement of Jamaica's 2024 rum GI revisions on hold, pending further hearings.

Sep 30 • 

Matt Pietrek

11

1

Equiano Rum - Dueling Ownership Bids

Dueling bids for the brand's assets and a founder’s exit —Equiano Rum battle spills into the spotlight.

Sep 5 • 

Matt Pietrek

11

3

Equiano Rum - What Happened?

Ian Burrell announced he’s no longer representing Equiano Rum. UK government filings tell more of the story, including a possible Uncle Nearest…

Sep 3 • 

Matt Pietrek

14

2

August 2025

Mai Tai Rum(s): Myths and Mistakes

The Great Mai Tai Rum Debate - Are we overthinking it? Some historical context provides guidance.

Aug 30 • 

Matt Pietrek

25

5

2

What Was London Dock Rum?

What was London Dock rum—and why did it matter just as much as the Navy’s daily tot? A chapter excerpt from The Rum Never Sets explains.

Aug 25 • 

Matt Pietrek

10

3

1

Jamaica Rum Styles Primer

“Jamaica rum” once said it all. Today, with every producer making styles from unaged to long-aged, it’s time to break down the substyles.

Aug 18 • 

Matt Pietrek

23

9

July 2025

The Rum Never Sets - The New Book on Royal Navy and London Dock Rum

Just released: The Rum Never Sets, a deep dive into Royal Navy & London dock rum by rum historian Matt Pietrek and Planteray Rum's Alexandre Gabriel.

Jul 21 • 

Matt Pietrek

15

3