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The Rum Never Sets

The Rum Never Sets

The Rum Never Sets is the most comprehensive history of Royal Navy rum and the legendary blends of London Dock ever written. Written by rum historian Matt Pietrek and Planteray Rum’s Alexandre Gabriel, this meticulously researched book spans three centuries of naval rations, dockside blending formulas, and the global trade routes that defined the British Empire.

Unlike other rum histories, this volume draws on rare archival documents, secret blending records, and forgotten contracts, exploding myths and revealing stories never told before. Dozens of vintage photographs, labels, and primary sources bring the narrative to life.

Part detective story, part cultural history, The Rum Never Sets is essential reading for rum enthusiasts, collectors, spirits historians, and maritime buffs. It stands apart as both an academic reference and a highly readable journey through the rum-soaked empire that shaped the world’s most iconic naval spirit.

Trade Paperback, 256 pages

$36.00
$36.00
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Author(s): Matt Pietrek & Alexandre Gabriel

ISBN 979-8-218-56571-8

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More About The Book

A daily ration of Navy style rum has long been enjoyed by many around the globe, but its history is cloaked in myth and mystery. In search of the true story, rum historian and educator Matt Pietrek set off on an international journey at the request of Alexandre Gabriel, master blender of Planteray Rum, to answer these essential questions:

  • What do we really mean by Royal Navy rum?
  • What is the true nature of London dock rum?
  • And what can these styles tell us about rum today?

Illustrated with compelling historic images, vivid photographs, and original documents, THE RUM NEVER SETS: 300 YEARS OF ROYAL NAVY & LONDON DOCK RUM represents a new body of knowledge, reflecting the depth and diversity of Royal Navy and London dock rums.

In Part One, MATT PIETREK distills the essential past of Royal Navy and London dock rum. From historic reports to in-person interviews, from dusty London archives to underground aging cellars, a more complete view of Royal Navy and London Dock rum emerges—the most in-depth research into these storied spirits in decades.

In Part Two, ALEXANDRE GABRIEL mines these techniques of the past to establish the seven pillars of Navy rum—an understanding of how these forgotten methods can guide today's master blenders and producers.

Customer Reviews

Based on 10 reviews
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Neil Yoke
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Great Book!

Fantastic content and lay out. Quick delivery too.

R
Robert Tanis
Please help us with find more amazing customers like yourself!: Article/Blog Post (Rum Wonk / Cocktail Wonk, etc.)
My Thoughts About This Book

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.

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Customer Jeff Peddle
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amazing & well researched. I always refer to matt as the Rum God ( deepest respect )

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.

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James BLUNT
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THE book on the subject !

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 👏👏✔️

J
James Singlehurst
Please help us with find more amazing customers like yourself!: Other
A new and very interesting look at the Royal Navy Rum ration.

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 ;)

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