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If I was Transported back to pirate times. Could/Would I be able to drink that type of rum or whiskey? How powerful would it be and how dangerous would it be in today's standards? (lemmy.world)

submitted 3 days ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 days ago (3 children)

Not a historian: I'm reading that rum from that time was in the range of 95.5 proof (54.6% ABV), which is not a concentration impossible to source for yourself in these times. You could try your palate on some Everclear or Spirytus Rektyfikowany if you want to try your luck with 95%. I've had both, and they are intense and liable to cure you of any curiosity.

Source was https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rum_ration

[–] [email protected] 8 points 3 days ago (2 children)

To be clear, Everclear is 190 proof or 95% alcohol. Most spirits sold in stores are ~80 proof or 40% alcohol.

Be very careful with Everclear. One can easily poison themself.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 days ago

"Be very careful with Everclear. One can easily poison themself"

Yeah, I once tried it and got accused of jumping on the grunge bandwagon.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 days ago

While the most famous variety is 190, it's available at a number of lower strengths, including as low as 120. I suspect this is to allow sales in areas that have restrictions on high proof spirits.

Your warning is still valid, even on these lower strengths. Being completely neutral, it's easy to disguise in mixed drinks.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Proof is 2x ABV. 95.5 would be 47.75% alcohol. Rum is typically not that high but super easy to find whiskey in that range

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 days ago (1 children)

I keep forgetting that very simple formula. Anyway, Pusser's does rum in the errantly calculated ranges noted in the wiki article.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 days ago (1 children)

I miss Pussers, that shit got super hard to find post-covid.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 days ago

Looks like they ship. Just mentioning, in case you want to get ahead of the next pandemic...

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Kraken dark rum is 94 proof.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 days ago (1 children)

And it's delicious

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 days ago

And it comes in a fun jug.