Tot of the day
"There’s naught, no doubt, so much the spirit calms as rum and true religion."
Lord Byron
Tales of the Tot
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!
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
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...
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.