Chapter V
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Frequently asked questions
Ten short answers to find your way between the tot, “Up Spirits”, “Navy strength” and grog.
What is Black Tot Day?
Black Tot Day is 31 July 1970, the day the Royal Navy issued its sailors the daily rum ration (“the tot”) for the last time, ending a tradition of more than three centuries.
Why is it called a “black” day?
Because sailors experienced the end of the ration as a bereavement. Many wore black armbands and some crews held mock funerals for the tot. The press named the event “Black Tot Day”.
How much rum did a sailor receive?
At the end of the tradition, in the 20th century, the daily ration was set at one eighth of an imperial pint — about 70 millilitres of rum per day — usually mixed with water for ratings. The measure had been far more generous in earlier centuries.
What does the order “Up Spirits” mean?
“Up Spirits” was the order given as noon approached, signalling that the rum was to be brought up from the liquor hold (the spirit room) for the issue. It was the starting signal of the daily ration ritual.
What is a “Navy strength” rum?
It is a rum bottled at about 54.5% ABV, i.e. 100 degrees on the old British proof scale. The strength comes from a safety requirement: aboard ship, rum at that proof guaranteed that gunpowder would still ignite even if soaked with rum.
Is Navy Rum an origin or an appellation?
Neither: it is a style. Historically, Royal Navy rum was a blend of rums from several Caribbean islands (Guyana/Demerara, Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados…) married to obtain a dark, full-bodied and constant profile.
Where does the word “grog” come from?
From the nickname of Admiral Edward Vernon, “Old Grog”, who wore a coat of grogram (coarse-grained fabric). In 1740 he ordered the rum to be cut with water; the sailors named the mixture “grog” after his nickname.
Why was the rum cut with water?
To limit drunkenness and accidents aboard. By diluting the ration and serving it twice a day, Admiral Vernon sought to preserve the crew’s discipline and safety while keeping the tradition alive.
What are “sippers” and “gulpers”?
They are mouthfuls of rum sailors offered each other to thank a shipmate: a “sippers” is a small sip, a “gulpers” a more generous swig. Giving up one’s whole ration was the strongest mark of gratitude aboard.
Can you still taste naval rum today?
Yes. The Navy Rum style lives on through many contemporary blends, and a few flagons from the Royal Navy’s historic stocks were bottled decades after 1970. Every 31 July, enthusiasts and veterans commemorate Black Tot Day.