Tot of the day
"It is the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter."
Marlene Dietrich
Tales of the Tot
SUGARCANE SPIRITS - THE EXTENDED FAMILY OF RUM
As well as numerous variations of rum seen around the world, there are seemingly countless sugarcane spirits that often get confused in the rum category. Find out more about them in our handy guide.
Tales of the Tot
WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS
James Lind discovered the effects of citrus fruit on warding off scurvy in 1747, but it wasn’t until almost 50 years later in 1795 that the Navy issued a daily ration of lemon juice to prevent this disease. However, due to prevailing myths surrounding alternative cures, it wouldn’t be until 1928 - and the discovery of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) - that scurvy was fully banished from the fleet.
Tales of the Tot
Where Do I Start My Rum Education?
So you’ve decided to be a rum drinker. Maybe you’ve heard it’s the next big thing, or a friend introduced you to something new and delicious, or maybe you were even in a bar (depending on where you are in the world this may feel like a distant memory) and the bartender introduced you to a whole new category. You may have discovered rum through sea monsters and pirates, you may have discovered it through more sophisticated means - whatever your introduction, welcome to the rum world. One of the first questions asked by the rum curious is ‘where do I learn more?’ Click through to find out just that...
Tales of the Tot
Rum is coming for whisky's throne
For many years now, the world of rum has been slowly bubbling away in the background – the passion project of a particularly niche set of Hawaiian-shirt wearing aficionados who for the most part kept themselves to themselves. They were occasionally found in underground dens like Notting Hill’s Trailer Happiness, comfortably changing between daiquiris and Piña Coladas to exceptional neat sippers, all the while exchanging knowing nods of mutual appreciation that they were members of this secret sugarcane spirits society. For just as many years, writers have touted rum as ‘the next big thing!’ only to find these prophetic pronouncements fall upon barren ground with whisky lovers. However, the times they are a changin’.
Tales of the Tot
SUGAR & SPICE - ARE ALL THINGS NICE?
Do you prefer your rum sweet or dry? Spiced or natural? Understand some of the rum making traditions around the world, and then choose your style accordingly.
Our Journey
THE LOST FLAGONS
The last flagons of Royal Navy Rum had to end up somewhere… And this is where our journey with them began. We also found some other interesting remnants from the angel’s share.
Our Journey
A RUM FOR TODAY
We wanted to respect the tradition that continues to inspire us, but create something new for the tastes of today - enter, Black Tot Finest Caribbean. And where to next?
Our Journey
THE HEART OF THE TOT
Here's what happened with the discovery of five casks of 40-year-old Demerara rum...
Our Journey
Long Live the Tot!
Black Tot Day in 1970 ended a relationship between the British Armed Forces and their favourite drink and the sailors of the of the time mourned the loss of their rum. But this loss led to society’s gain...
Our Journey
50 Years of Black Tot Day: Recreating the Navy Blend
In 2020, we commemorated the 50th Anniversary of Black Tot Day, on which the Royal Navy officially brought to an end the 239-year-old tradition of the daily rum ration. The day itself was a bittersweet occasion within the rum lover’s calendar – in one respect, it was an excuse for rum fanatics and former navy crews to get together and share a dram, on the other hand, it marked the loss of one of the world’s most fascinating rum blends.
Our Journey
Recreating The Navy Blend: Master Blender's Reserve 2021
On 31st July 1970, the last tots of rum were issued to the Royal Navy – a day forever known as Black Tot Day. In 2020, to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of this day, our master blender set out to make an exceptional blend inspired, that would become the first of our annual Black Tot Day releases.
History
RUM SETS SAIL ON THE SEVEN SEAS
Alcohol was always carried on board Royal Navy ships, but in the 1600s a new type of spirit emerged…
History
THE FIRST RUM RATIONS ARE ISSUED
The beginning of rum rations, the origins of the ‘grog’ and a possible cocktail creation...
History
THE NAVY RUM BLEND
The Royal Navy became accidental, yet pioneering, blenders. As for choosing between rum or money, which do you think the sailors favoured?
History
THE DAY THE RUM DIED
1970 marked the end of the navy rum ration on ‘Black Tot Day'. But eventually, the fate of the last of the liquid crossed our path.
History
Black Tot Days Around the World
You may know of the British Navy's infamous 'Black Tot Day' on 31st July, 1970 - the day of their very last rum ration. But did other countries' naval forces have rum rations also? And if so, when did they cease? Click through to find out.
History
Canada's 'Black Tot Day' - 30th March, 1972
Did the Royal Canadian Navy receive a tot of rum like their British counterparts? Read on to find out...
History
TOO MUCH RUM!
When the Royal Navy first started giving out rum rations in 1731, each sailor was given half a pint of overproof rum per day - this was quickly reduced once its detrimental effects were observed!