What is bow-wow rum?  I have seen references to this Island made
alcholic beverage. Would it be appropated to an adventure novel set in
1920's?  Old, like bathtub gin, or slang, like rotgut whisky.

I haven't found any references to "bow-wow rum." I wonder if this
could be a variant of "Wa Bio" or "Wabio," which sounds a bit like
"bow-wow."

"wa bio:  illicit rum, name used primarily in Dominica." 

http://www.knet.co.za/psrum/glossary.htm#W

"Wabio: (C) One of the words used to describe illicitly produced rum,
also known as Mountain Dew or Zaid. Crushed sugar cane juice is
fermented and distilled using basic paraphernalia of pipes, pots and
glass 'demi-johns' to produce a raw rum that is sold and drunk without
the license payments demanded by law."

http://www.avirtualdominica.com/heritage3.htm

I can't back it up with anything tangible, but I've heard this
expression used before to describe a drink (of any kind) powerful
enough to make one overlook the, shall we say, less than desirable
physical appearance of others.

tutuzdad-ga

Wa bio has merit....is close, but no cigar. Continue to research bow-wow

You might want to consider raising your price if you'd like in-depth
research on this subject. Few Researchers are likely to spend more
than a few minutes on your question for a possible return of $1.50,
which is the Researcher's share of your current price.