How much was a tot of rum in the Navy?

Tradition. The rum ration, or "tot", from 1850 to 1970 consisted of one-eighth of an imperial pint (71 ml) of rum at 95.5 proof (54.6% ABV), given out at midday.

How much rum did sailors get?

How much rum did sailors drink? From around 1655, a pint of rum was the usual ration handed to each sailor in the Royal Navy. It was served every day, half at 12 noon and the second half at about 5 or 6pm (though the amount decreased in following years). The rum ration was known as 'Pusser's Rum'.

Do you still get a tot of rum in the navy?

The Day Rum Rations Ended

On July 31, 1970, now known as Black Tot Day, naval sailors enjoyed their last daily tot ration. Many wore black armbands and poured their ration into the sea as a symbolic "burial" of the much-loved tradition.

Did sailors really drink rum?

Sailors were given a daily tot of rum from 1655 until the ration was abolished, as recently as 1970. Originally it was given to sailors neat when the beer ran out (water was not safe to drink as it became rancid very quickly at sea and it was often taken from polluted rivers, such as the Thames).

What rum did the navy drink?

Thanks to him, today you could taste many versions of the drink that served seamen for centuries — Pusser's Gunpowder Proof, Pusser's Rum Original Admiralty Blend, etc. Produced from British Virgin Islands, Trinidad and Guyana, Pusser's is a blend of five stills.

31st July 1970: Black Tot Day ends the Royal Navy's daily rum ration

How big was a tot of rum?

The rum ration, or "tot", from 1850 to 1970 consisted of one-eighth of an imperial pint (71 ml) of rum at 95.5 proof (54.6% ABV), given out at midday.

Why did sailors put rum in water?

Of course, sailors and pirates didn't just drink rum straight. To make it more palatable, they would mix it with a bit of water to make grog; or water, sugar, and nutmeg (to make bumbo). Today, consumers tend to prefer mojitos and Mai Tais.

What year did the navy stop giving rum?

On 20th July, 1971, after 239 years of tradition, a vote was put to Parliament to end the issuing of rum to the fleet.

Why are navy people called pussers?

The term pusser was Royal Navy slang for the purser aboard ship. It was the purser that was responsible for the rum store on the ship and for supervising doling out the daily rum tot.

How much is a tot measure?

The SS Single / Double Tot Measure is a must-have for every bartender or for those who like to be more accurate when pouring drinks at home. Its made from stainless steel and has a single shot of 25ml and a double shot of 50ml on the other end.

Why did sailors drink so much?

First off, sailors were typically rationed about a gallon of beer per day. Beer is rich in vitamins, particularly B vitamins, and more importantly carbohydrates. This is largely the reason it was considered a staple in the diet aboard ships, often called “liquid bread,” in many accounts.

How much grog did sailors get?

Each sailor was provided a ration of one gallon a day of combined alcohol and water. Stored in wooden casks, their beer would eventually sour and the water would only last for a few weeks before it went stale or suffered an algae bloom.

Why is navy rum so strong?

Ensuring the high strength of the alcohol not only protected the navy from being overcharged for watered-down rum but also ensured rum-soaked gunpowder remained explosive.

Is a tot the same as a shot?

A tot of whiskey is an informal measure of whiskey, usually between one or two ounces. It is most commonly served as a “shot” in the U. S. and is typically used to refer to a smaller portion of liquor than a standard glass or jigger.

Why did pirates drink so much rum?

Rum Was Plentiful

Rum, which was distilled from sugar, became a primary export. As a result, many of the ships on the waters that pirates attacked were filled with it. Crews tended to drink much of the liquid loot they found. However, rum was also used as a currency and often traded for goods.

What did sailors call rum diluted with water?

Grog is a term used for a variety of alcoholic beverages. The word originally referred to rum diluted with water (and later on long sea voyages, also added the juice of limes or lemons), which British Vice-Admiral Edward Vernon introduced into the naval squadron he commanded in the West Indies on 21 August 1740.

What is the Navy's catchphrase?

On seven seas we learn Navy's stern call: Faith, Courage, Service true, with Honor, Over Honor, Over All. There is no official motto for the U.S. Navy. "Non sibi sed patriae" (Not self but country) is often cited as the Navy's motto, however.

What is a birdie in the Navy?

Birdie: A member of the aviation branch. Black Cat: A person with more impressive stories than you. Bravo Zulu: Well done (BZ)

What is a crow in the Navy?

A crow is an unofficial Navy term for the petty officer rank insignia, which includes an eagle above one to three chevrons, depending upon a Sailor's rank.

Can navy sailors drink on ships?

(a) Except as may be authorized by the Secretary of the Navy, the intro- duction, possession or use of alcoholic beverages on board any ship, craft, air- craft, or in any vehicle of the Depart- ment of the Navy is prohibited.

How much rum did soldiers get in ww1?

Army rum was potent stuff. The official ration was 2.5 fluid ounces (about 70ml) per man: twice weekly for soldiers who were serving behind the frontlines or resting, daily for those in the trenches.

What makes navy rum different?

Navy rum strength is more than most other rums (like our Blue Label), but not as much as Overproof Rum. The navy officers would test the strength of the rum by mixing it with gunpowder. If the gunpowder ignited, they knew the rum was "proof." Hence the name of our navy-strength Gunpowder Proof.

What was the main drink for sailors?

Known as grog, Vernon's punch-like concoction became a Navy staple that did more than make sailors happy. It kept them alive, as vitamin C from lime juice prevented scurvy. Soon the idea spread beyond the boat.

What did pirates drink while at sea?

Q: What water did pirates drink? Pirates drank freshwater. It was called freshwater in the sense that it wasn't saltwater, but it still had algae and other unwholesomeness. This was because the water wasn't stored perfectly.

What did sailors drink in the 1700s?

Starting in the mid 1700s, sailors in the British Navy were given a daily ration of rum—a “tot,” as it became known.