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# Navy Grog
- URL: https://www.tikitimewithjeff.com/navy-grog/
- Published: 2026-07-24T18:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-26T00:09:47.000Z
- Description: Entry 7 — Dare to compare: tart and bracing versus honey and happiness.
- Author: Jeff York
- Tags: #3.5

A two-build tasting: first the Smuggler’s Cove Navy Grog with demerara and allspice dram, then the book’s “Dare to Compare” Don the Beachcomber-style version with honey syrup and seltzer. Same citrus-and-rum frame, two very different weather systems.

The Build

- Fresh lime juice
- Fresh grapefruit juice
- Homeade Demerara Syrup
- St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram
- Smith & Cross Rum
- Hamilton Breezeway Blend Rum
- Flor de Caña 12 Rum

Flash-blended with crushed ice and agitator cubes, then open-poured into a double old-fashioned glass. No traditional Navy Grog ice cone was available; an apparatus has been placed on the birthday-and-Christmas wish list. 

### Jeff’s Thoughts

The Smuggler’s Cove build was tart, bracing, and astringent, with an almost smoky note created by the rum combination. I rated that primary version 3.5\. The Don-style comparison removed the allspice dram and demerara, then added 1 oz Smuggler’s Cove honey syrup and ¾ oz seltzer. It was sweeter and overwhelmingly honey-forward, but grapefruit and lime acidity kept it in balance. The honey, funky Smith & Cross, Flor de Caña sweetness, and coconut undertone from Breezeway made it much more pleasant to me, earning 4.5\. The useful choice is simple: do you want tart, refreshing, and clean, or do you want honey? If you dislike honey, Don’s version will not negotiate. I personally preferred it.

### Stasi’s Thoughts

I tasted both Navy Grogs blind. The Smuggler’s Cove version was initially very rum-forward, with a slightly watery quality and a noticeable grapefruit character. On my second taste, though, it seemed more integrated and balanced than it did on the first sip. I’d give it a 3.5/5\. The Don the Beachcomber version immediately struck me as more complex. The rum seemed better integrated with the fruit flavors, and I picked up an almost orgeat, cherry, and pomegranate-like quality. After going back and forth between the two, this was my favorite. I’d give it a 4.5.

The Ratings

Jeff4.5

Stasi4.5

Overall4.5 / 5