There's a little more on the chemistry from this story in an email sent to K&L (bay area liquor store) by the distiller: http://spiritsjournal.klwines.com/klwinescom-spirits-blog/20...

FWIW, I'm a bit of a rum nerd and have been super impressed by the Lost Spirits Navy and Polynesian rums. I also noticed Longitude, a newish upscale Oakland bar by a veteran Tiki bartender, was using the Navy rum in a drink, so there are at least a few folks in industry who are believers as well.