Holey Dollar Gold Coin Overproof

The Holey Dollar is actually a Spanish thaler with the middle stamped out to get two denominations. The introduction of these coins into circulation in New South Wales (NSW, 1813) was to restore order in this overseas British colony. It's the story about free market which abhors the vacuum and man's greed which knows no limit.

The chronic currency shortage in the penal colony NSW triggered market mechanisms based on barter. The rum was chosen as medium of exchange because it was desired, divisible into units and storable. So it has features like money and became legal tender enjoying universal trust.

Officers of the New South Wales Corps, serving both in the public administration and as armed forces, had a monopoly over the trade in rum. No surprises here, they took full advantage and speculated on a mass scale. To counteract the corruption practice, the British Empire appointed a new governor in the person of William Bligh. As a reminder, that's the captain who lost control of his ship in one of the most famous mutinies in history. The nomination honored his despotic impulses.

Bligh set out to stamp out the corruption but the corrupted had different point of view. They sparked a rebellion and captured the governor (Australia's first and only military coup). Both sides accused themselves of abuses and in the face of public discontent, the London headquarters dismissed Bligh from his position. The successor introduced the holey dollar and soon restored the pound sterling as the only valid currency of the British Empire.

Rum Corps, Rum Rebellion, Holey Dollar. In these events sees the producer from Sydney the birth of the Australian national identity and from which the brand - established on the bicentenary anniversary - draws engaging storytelling. Stuart Gilbert is the producer and master blender in one person. He started his activity on a market controlled in 95% by Bundaberg (Diageo). That would explain why he often refers to consumer patriotism.

Gilbert won't miss any opportunity to brag about gaining IWSC medals. All three strengths (Silver / Gold / Platinum Coin) were awarded gold one year after the market launch. Although the organizer of the competition has a good reputation, still I feel obliged to mention that Gilbert was a member of its jury years ago and for years. I'm not implying anything; anyways Gilbert himself doesn't hide it.

The rum is made out of fermented molasses from Fiji. Gilbert distills in a hundred year old wood-fired copper pot still. The rum ages three years in small oak barrels. Gold Coin is an overproof; diluted with Australian water to 57.2%. 🌊

There are no artificial additives.