The Rum Never Sets

TRNS was an interesting read, with high-quality, relevant illustrations. However, on pp11 & 166 you state that the Navy's rum ration doubled in 1756 yet I can find no basis for that in the records. You mention the accidental increase due to adoption of imperial measure in 1826 but omit the reduction (by 50%) in 1824. Similarly, on p161 you state that naval beer brewing ceased in 1832 due to quality & stowage problems. It actually ceased in 1831 on spurious cost grounds and rum may have reduced bulk but it increased the need for secure stowage and increased the demand for water. By 1830, the Navy had just refurbished one of its three major breweries (Portsmouth) and another (Plymouth) was just about to be replaced by a brand new facility. Discussion around the difficulties of estimating ABV is informative, although calculating the ABV of grog appears misleading since the rum ration itself contained the same amount of alcohol. Further, there is no reflection on how adversely taste would have been affected by such high levels of dilution, often with dodgy water. The sections on vatting/blending and the distinctions between rums from various sources were particularly useful. I support the robust challenge to ED&F Man's claim to two centuries of exclusivity. Overall, I would have welcomed more on the Navy and more earlier material.

Fabulous book. Met the author at Powder Monkey Brewery. Great insight into the history of Naval Rum. Thoroughly enjoying it.

Fantastic content and lay out. Quick delivery too.

Have read the book cover to cover and can confirm Matt provided his typical outstanding written description of this topic; Alexandre less so. The book stimulated me to try Mister Fogg Navy Rum. Taken together, I came away realizing I'm going to stick with my favorite Barbados rum. For those wondering that the book is a paperback you should not as it is of EXCELLENT quality.

As a rum historian, I thought I had already dug deep into the world of Royal Navy and London Dock rum—but every time I pick up one of Matt Pietrek’s books, I’m amazed at how much more there is to learn. The Rum Never Sets is nothing short of a masterwork: meticulously researched, beautifully presented, and filled with details that even the most seasoned rum enthusiast will find eye-opening.

Matt has a rare gift for blending history with storytelling. He takes complex topics—naval traditions, blending techniques, the London merchants—and makes them both accessible and fascinating. His ability to unearth forgotten records and tie them into the broader rum narrative is second to none.

For anyone who loves rum, history, or simply great writing, this book is essential. For those of us who live and breathe rum, it’s a treasure chest of knowledge that raises the bar for rum scholarship worldwide.

Jeff Peddle

Matt, once again, you’ve given our community something truly special.

What a superb piece of research this book represents. All brought to life with plenty of historical photos and drawings… this superb volume gives you the full story of British Navy Rum and its spread around the globe. Highly recommended 👏👏✔️

As usual Matt's research is second to none, some very interesting and novel topics are covered and the creation of their own "Navy Rum" was very thought provoking.
As usual the book is a real page turner. I highly recommend it.
A shame a Brit didn't get to proof read the whiskys and whiskies ;)

Just started reading The Rum Never Sets. Very interesting history behind Navy rum and the docks where it was aged. Am enjoying this book greatly!

I haven't yet read the book in detail, only browsed through it. By all appearances, it is a very well written and illustrated volume. Just what I would have expected given the excellent earlier Wonk Press book on modern Caribbean Rums.

I've read the Modern Caribbean Rum, Minimalist Tiki, and The Rum Never Sets cover to cover and loved every page. Just went out and bought the Mister Fogg Navy Rum as well. Couldn't recommend these works more to someone interested in the history and ART of Rum Distilling.

Such a nerdy book for rum lovers exploring the history of naval rum! It's almost like a rum picture book but with ALOT of historical facts, what more can I ask for!!!

Great Book Learning a lot!!!!