It’s 31 July 1970. Somewhere on the high seas, a Royal Navy sailor stands in silence, clutching a small tin cup. He’s not mourning a fallen comrade. He’s not even hungover. No, this is worse. This is Black Tot Day. The day the Navy killed the rum ration.
For over 300 years, British sailors received a daily serving of rum. Not a cheeky sip, either. What started as a half pint (284 ml) became one-quarter of an imperial pint (142 ml), which was finally halved again to a still mighty 71ml tot. It was tradition. It was morale. Often, it was breakfast.
It was also a different time. The Admiralty made an understandable call. Drinking on duty is rarely recommended (my job aside, and even then, responsibility is key). But in the era of radar, nuclear submarines, and Cold War politics, a mid-shift tipple went from cheeky to a potential context for chaos. Someone falling asleep in a torpedo tube is a little more than a gaffe.
So, 55 years ago today, the Navy declared, “Up spirits!” for the very last time.
The Navy tradition is gone, but not forgotten
A very brief tot history
The naval rum ration began in the 17th century, when England discovered that rum was more reliable than beer at sea, which was prone to spoil.
By 1740, Admiral Edward Vernon (aka Old Grog, thanks to his fetching grogram coat) decided to water it down to stop sailors tumbling out of the rigging. For reference, a single shot in the UK is 25ml. A 284ml ration is insane. Thus, grog was born: a mix of rum and water, sometimes with lime or sugar if the purser was feeling generous.
This daily drink was a constant through centuries of naval conflict, shipboard drudgery, and dodgy tattoos. That was until 31 July 1970.
On Black Tot Day, sailors held mock funerals. They wore black armbands. Some even buried their tots at sea. Genuine tears were shed. They were resigned to an unavoidable reality, but still mourned a beloved naval tradition consigned to the history books.
Original pre-1970 British Navy Rum flagons
So why does it still matter?
Drinks are just liquid in a glass to some. And that’s OK. But, without deferring too much to misty-eyed, booze-soaked nostalgia, it’s easy to dig a little deeper. To bear witness to the culture, history, anthropology, chemistry, ritual, craft, and tradition that is an intrinsic part of the spirits, wine, and beer, and more humans have consumed over the millennia.
Black Tot Day is a memorial to lost measures. But it can also be a celebration of rum. Each year, we rum lovers have a convenient excuse (in the height of summer, no less) to raise a glass to the tot. To share stories, open special bottles, and remind ourselves that yes, once upon a time, the government gave out free rum on the job.
And fittingly, there’s even a rum named after the day.
The Black Tot rum brand is very popular
Drink like it’s 1970
Black Tot Rum was created specifically to honour the rum ration, blending spirits from Barbados, Guyana, and Jamaica. It’s as close to a proper Navy tot as most of us will ever get, without joining the merchant marines, and last year we covered the full story on our blog.
But if you’re planning a full Black Tot Day tribute, here are a few more bottles worth hoisting the Jolly Roger for:
Pusser’s Gunpowder Proof – Navy-strength, no-nonsense, and faithful to the original blend. Think burnt sugar, leather, and cannon smoke. Historically accurate. Possibly haunted.
Plantation O.F.T.D. – A high-proof beast from Jamaica, Guyana, and Barbados. It’s 69% ABV, so take it slow unless you fancy seeing ghost ships.
Chairman’s Reserve Forgotten Casks – Made in St. Lucia, this rum owes its long ageing to a warehouse fire that misplaced a few casks. Lucky us. Expect vanilla, tobacco, and dark fruit, with a finish that lingers like a sea shanty chorus.
Equiano – Named after Olaudah Equiano, this rum blends African and Caribbean origins for a modern tot with a conscience.
Be sure to check out our Festival of Rum for more inspiration.
Try the world’s first Afro-Caribbean rum
The Last Drop
Black Tot Day might mark the end of the Navy’s daily ration, but it’s become something else now. A time to drink good rum, tell tall tales, and remind ourselves that some traditions are worth keeping alive.
Whether you’re in a hammock, a pub, or just Googling how to tie a sheepshank knot, raise a glass this 31 July.
To rum. To rebels. And to never letting history go dry.
