Old Harbor Distilling Co. Barrelflag Navy Strength Rum

Old Harbor Distilling Co. Barrelflag Navy Strength Rum is San Diego's overproof rum — 57% ABV (114 proof), 750mL, distilled from a slow-fermented blend of blackstrap molasses, premium molasses and pure cane juice on the distillery's 1,000-litre hybrid copper still in the East Village. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.

• ABV: 57% (114 proof) — navy strength
• Size: 750mL
• Base: Blackstrap molasses, premium molasses and pure cane juice, slow-fermented
• Still: 1,000L hybrid copper still ("Belafonte")
• Origin: East Village, San Diego, California (Old Harbor Distilling Co.)

Navy Strength, San Diego Distilled

Old Harbor was founded by Michael Skubic, a San Diego native who came home from the U.S. Navy and started distilling in the East Village. Barrelflag is the nod to that service: in the age of sail, rum issued aboard ship had to be strong enough that gunpowder soaked in it would still light — the proof test that fixed "navy strength" at 57% alcohol. This rum is built to that old specification from three cane streams — blackstrap for depth, premium molasses and pure cane juice for brightness — slow-fermented and run through the distillery's copper hybrid still. Find it at the overproof end of our rum collection, or see the distillery's gin alongside it on the Old Harbor Distilling Co. vendor page.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Molasses and cane sugar with tropical fruit underneath the proof. Palate: Full and warming in the navy manner — brown sugar, banana and spice carried on real weight. Finish: Long, warm and cane-sweet.

How to Enjoy

This is a mixing rum with a purpose: float it on a Mai Tai, split it into a Daiquiri that tastes like rum again, or give a Rum and Coke back its spine. Measure carefully — at 114 proof a heavy hand changes the drink, not just the mood.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "navy strength" mean? 57% ABV (114 proof) — the strength of the rum ration historically issued in the Royal Navy, set so that gunpowder dampened with the spirit would still ignite, proving it had not been watered down.

Where is Old Harbor distilled? In San Diego's East Village, where Old Harbor Distilling Co. works its 1,000-litre hybrid copper still — a hometown San Diego spirit, founded by a former U.S. Navy officer.

What is it made from? A blend of blackstrap molasses, premium molasses and pure cane juice, slow-fermented before distillation — the blackstrap brings the dark, funky depth, the cane juice the grassy brightness.

Overproof and hometown-made — buy Barrelflag Navy Strength Rum online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.