The Real McCoy

The True Story of Rum Runner Bill McCoy

Have you ever heard the saying ‘The Real McCoy?’ Well, that’s got rum to thank. It all hails back to the days of prohibition and rum running. Back in the days of prohibition the demand for liquor soared. And like all black-market demands, some shady characters stepped up to fill that need.

Booze flowed freely – if you knew where to get it. But it wasn’t always the best booze. Gangsters & rum runners would smuggle the good stuff up from the Bahamas through Florida and ship it to wherever the cash demanded.

However, with shady characters in play, greed also played a part and the best way to feed the greed was by watering down the rum, adding colour to make it look right or just plain old cutting it with crappy swill.

So, let’s talk about Bill McCoy, the man, the teetotal, who made sure that when you ordered rum, you got the real deal. Nope, McCoy was a man of principles, even if those principles involved skirting around the law on a regular basis – because hey, a guy’s gotta make a living, right?!

The Origins of The Real McCoy

Bill McCoy wasn’t always a rum runner. Born in 1877, he started out as a shipbuilder. But when Prohibition hit the United States, McCoy saw an opportunity that was just too good to pass up. Armed with his knowledge of ships and a nose for high-quality booze, he turned to rum running.

McCoy’s big break came when he realized that the best way to beat the bootleggers was to outclass them. Instead of diluting his spirits, he delivered the goods pure and uncut. This is where the term “The Real McCoy” comes from—his customers knew they were getting the genuine article.

The Advent of Prohibition

Prohibition in the 1920s was the golden age of gangsters, speakeasies, and bootleggers. The United States had decided that the best way to deal with alcohol was to ban it entirely. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work out too well. People still wanted to drink, and entrepreneurs like McCoy were more than happy to oblige.

McCoy’s Entry into Rum Running

Bill McCoy started his rum-running career by sailing down to the Caribbean, loading up his schooner, and heading back to the East Coast. His operation was based on quality. Unlike many bootleggers who diluted their alcohol, McCoy’s rum was always top-notch. His reputation grew, and soon, everyone wanted to get their hands on “The Real McCoy.”

The Birth of “The Real McCoy”

Why did Bill McCoy’s name become synonymous with quality? Simple: he didn’t mess around with his product. When you bought from McCoy, you knew you were getting the best. His high standards and refusal to cut his rum earned him the legendary nickname “The Real McCoy.”

The Techniques and Tactics of Rum Running

McCoy was a clever operator. He stayed just outside U.S. territorial waters, offloading his cargo to smaller, faster boats that could easily evade the authorities. This tactic, known as “rum row,” kept his operations running smoothly and his customers happy.

McCoy’s Fleet and Operations

McCoy’s flagship was the schooner Arethusa, later renamed Tomoka. He used a fleet of ships to smuggle rum from the Caribbean to the United States. His primary route was from the Bahamas to the East Coast, making stops in New York and New Jersey. McCoy’s operations were extensive, and his name became legendary in rum-running circles.

The Downfall and Legacy

Eventually, McCoy’s luck ran out. In 1923, he was captured by the Coast Guard and brought to trial. Despite his legal troubles, McCoy’s legacy lived on. He became a folk hero, symbolizing the defiance and ingenuity of the Prohibition era.

The Real McCoy Rum

Today, the spirit of Bill McCoy lives on through The Real McCoy Rum brand. This tasty rum pays homage to McCoy’s commitment to quality, ensuring that every bottle is just as pure and uncut as the rum he smuggled nearly a century ago.

And that my friends, is the tale of Bill McCoy, the man, the legend. Next time you sip on a quality rum, give a nod to The Real McCoy, a true legend of the Prohibition era. Cheers to history, quality, and a little bit of rebellion in every glass!

Are there any infamous rum runners lurking in your family tree? Share your story below or any other famous rum running tales – we’d love to hear about them!