From 1650 throughout the 18th century, shipboard life was incredibly difficult. The daily issue of Pusser’s Rum was the highlight of the day. In those days, battles were fought “eyeball-to-eyeball.” The mental alertness and courage required to pack a cannonball into a muzzleloader were far different from that required to operate the modern weapon systems of today. Thus in 1970, the Admiralty Board decreed that there was no place for the daily issue of rum in a modern navy, and so ended the daily issue of Pusser’s Rum in the Royal Navy on July 31st, 1970. This date since then is referred to as Black Tot Day.
SECURE YOUR BLACK TOT RUM RATIONS
BLACK TOT DAY HISTORY
WHAT IS BLACK TOT DAY AND WHY CELEBRATE IT?
When it comes to memorable duos, rum and the Royal Navy have a long and storied history together. Their connection dates back to 1655 when the Royal Navy began issuing sailors a daily ration of the spirit.
Not only was rum cheap and easy to store aboard ships, but it also kept well and didn't spoil, unlike beer and even water, which could grow algae. Life at sea was also difficult...
RUM ORIGINS: THE CORRELATION
BETWEEN RUM AND THE ROYAL NAVY
Humans have brewed, distilled, and consumed alcohol since the dawn of time. Researchers have unearthed 4,000-year old beer recipes from Mesopotamia and found traces of wine dating back twice that far.
By comparison, rum origins only date back a few hundred years. Like many things in life, we may have saved the best for last...
RUM RATION: THE COMPLETE HISTORY
BEHIND "THE DAILY TOT"
Would you like to work someplace where you could drink on the job?
If you were a sailor for the British Royal Navy between 1655 and 1970, drinking on the job was the norm. Known as the "daily tot," this rum ration was distributed to all seafaring men...
