Knowledge
Returning to Old St. Croix’s West Indian roots
Old St. Croix Spirits has entered into a partnership with the travel and tourism agency Atlantic Link, working to raise awareness about the Danish West Indies.
Throughout history, spirits and seafaring have gone hand in hand—along with a fair share of trickery and dilution. To ensure quality, sailors came up with a simple test: they poured the spirit onto gunpowder and lit it. If it burned, the strength was proven. It became known as “proof”—evidence of true quality. Old St. Croix Royal Danish Navy - Strength 55% is the bolder version of our popular Navy 40%.
Stewed dark fruit, burnt figs, orange peel and a small, well-integrated ‘bite’ from the otherwise high alcohol content
Creamy, spicy and very full-bodied with sherry caramel, dates, cardamom and eucalyptus.
Long and creamy and spiced with a delightful mint overtone
Mahogany
55% vol.
| TASTING NOTES | Nose | Taste | Finish | Color | Alc. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navy Strength | Stewed dark fruit, burnt figs, orange peel and a small, well-integrated ‘bite’ from the otherwise high alcohol content | Creamy, spicy and very full-bodied with sherry caramel, dates, cardamom and eucalyptus. | Long and creamy and spiced with a delightful mint overtone | Mahogany | 55% vol. |
This blend is composed of carefully selected casks from renowned distilleries in the Caribbean and Central America. Slow fermentation and distillation create a complex profile, which is matured in oak barrels and bottled at 55% ABV. Despite the high strength, the flavor remains intense yet balanced—with high ester content, rich aroma, and a bold character that commands attention. A powerful but refined experience—meant to be enjoyed in good company and quiet moments.
Nowadays, there are many references to the old method of testing alcohol strength with gunpowder. In the USA, the term “Proof” is still used as a measure of alcohol content in spirits, where 100 Proof equals 50% alcohol by volume.
Old St. Croix Black Barrel Navy Spiced was developed in close collaboration between our Master Distiller and experienced bartenders — with one goal in mind: to elevate your cocktails.
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Old St. Croix Royal Danish Navy - Naval Cadet was created in collaboration with the Cadet Association of the Royal Danish Naval Academy – the world’s oldest naval officer school, founded in 1701.
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Old St. Croix Royal Danish Navy - Frogman was created as a tribute to the Danish Frogman Corps – an elite unit whose courage and strength help secure the safety we often take for granted.
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Throughout history, spirits and seafaring have gone hand in hand—along with a fair share of trickery and dilution. To ensure quality, sailors came up with a simple test: they poured the spirit onto gunpowder and lit it.
Read More
A tasteful Bitter with the taste of gentian root, quinine, bitter orange, coffee beans and a touch of vanilla.
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When Albert Heinrich Riise began his production in the Danish West Indies in 1838, the Danish navy was among his first loyal customers.
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Enjoying this blend means supporting the preservation of an iconic piece of Danish maritime heritage – the Frigate Jylland.
Read MoreWith the name change from A.H. Riise to Old St. Croix, we’re taking one step back – to take two steps forward. With the new name, we’re reviving the original vision that inspired Albert Heinrich Riise more than 150 years ago, when he made Danish West Indian rum known far beyond the shores of the islands.