Why do sailors like 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).

Why did pirates like rum so much?

So, why did pirates drink rum? In short, it was a valuable way to make water last longer and keep the crew in high spirits. While you may not need to make grog or prevent scurvy, you can think of the many long years of history as you enjoy our award-winning Pusser's Rum.

Do sailors still drink rum?

The rum ration (also called the tot) was a daily amount of rum given to sailors on Royal Navy ships. It was abolished in 1970 after concerns that the intake of strong alcohol would lead to unsteady hands when working machinery.

Why did sailors drink so much alcohol?

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.

Do pirates really like rum?

Yes. They did. Pirates often started out as military sailors, who developed a taste for rum when it was distributed in the Navy. The Caribbean was a hotbed of piracy and instead of having to wait for their daily tot of rum from their superiors, pirates could drink it whenever they pleased.

Why Pirates Drank Rum | The Pirates Port

Why did sailors drink rum instead of water?

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).

How much was a tot of rum in the Navy?

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'.

Did rum prevent scurvy?

Rum had one other advantage. It mixed well with the daily dose of lime juice that was doled out to British sailors to prevent scurvy. Although that practice did not start until the 18th century, well after the adoption of the daily rum ration, it provided an additional reason to continue the practice.

What type of rum did sailors drink?

After a harrowing day at sea, there was nothing better than a ration of rum aboard Royal Navy ships. Pusser's Rum is bottled companionship. Our history says it all.

Why do sea men drink rum?

A gallon of beer was the original rationed drink for sailors, but it too could spoil easily at sea. Around 1655, many ships switched over to rum rations instead. It didn't rot inside barrels and also didn't take up as much room as beer, freeing precious space for cargo.

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.

How strong was pirates rum?

Grog was a drink enjoyed by Pirates, Sailors and Buccaneers and was basically a “punch” of Rum, water and limes (or any other handy tropical fruits and juices). The rum comes in a standard 700ml bottle and is bottled at 37.5% which puts it into the mixing category of rums such as Cockspur 5 star.

Why does Jack Sparrow love rum?

Rum was the preferred alcoholic drink of pirates, particularly favored by Captain Jack Sparrow. Drinking was one of the most popular of pirate pleasures. Like all pirates, Jack believed that "rum gets you through times of no money better than money gets you through times of no rum."

What rum is closest to what pirates drank?

For the most part, pirates would drink whatever they got their hands on. Usually, this meant unrefined, dark, high-alcohol-content strong rum. When you Google this question, you'll find the top answer to be grog, or rum grog. Rum grog was a mixture of rum, sugar, lime or another citrus, and water.

Why did pirates drink rum and not whiskey?

Why did pirates drink rum and not whiskey? Judging from songs and stories from the Golden Age of Piracy, rum was the drink of the common man, and whiskey the drink of the well-to-do. Part of this, of course, was because rum (which was manufactured in the Caribbean) was easier and cheaper to get. licensed and taxed.

What is a pusser in the Navy?

History. "Pusser" is Royal Navy slang for a purser, a ship's supply officer, now called a Logistics Officer.

Did pirates drink rum straight?

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.

Do you still get rum in the Navy?

The Admiralty conceded that there was no longer any official need for daily rum and so the tradition came to an end.

Why are soldiers given rum?

When soldiers were found, wounds were bound and a shot of rum poured down throats to lessen the pain. Those who survived the agonizing hours until they made it back to a casualty clearing station or a field ambulance were once again given painkillers like rum, port or morphine before a hasty medical operation.

Why are sailors called Jack?

Round about the year 1700, landlubbers began calling sailors 'Jack tars': 'Jack' because Jack was already a popular name for a sailor; 'tars' because long-haired sailors were dipping their locks in tar to make a pigtail.

What is the oldest rate in the Navy?

The oldest ratings in the US Navy are Quartermaster, Gunner's Mate, and Boatswain's Mate.

What is a female pirate called?

1 Answer. The term pirate, or more appropriately, privateer, is gender neutral.

How do you say hello to a pirate?

Ahoy – A pirate greeting or a way to get someone's attention, similar to “Hello” or “hey!”. Arrr, Arrgh, Yarr, Gar – Pirates slang used to emphasize a point.

What is pirate slang for woman?

Wench. A term used from the 13th century to refer to a woman, often a prostitute, although it was not originally an insult. Rather, a wench was someone warm-hearted.