Rum Rations: The Royal Navy’s Daily Tot of Rum

Rum rations were the daily amount of rum (known as a “tot”) issued to sailors serving on Royal Navy ships. The practice dates back to the 17th century and became one of the most enduring traditions in naval history.

The History of Rum Rations

In the 17th century, sailors were given a daily drinks ration of one gallon of beer. Beer lasted longer than water on long voyages and helped maintain morale among the crew.

Life on board a Royal Navy ship was extremely hard. Living conditions were cramped, work was physically demanding, and discipline was strict. Punishments were common and often harsh. Food shortages frequently occurred, particularly towards the end of long voyages. To prevent desertion, sailors’ already low pay was sometimes withheld for months or even years.

By 1655, beer had become impractical. It took up valuable storage space and spoiled quickly in warmer climates. As a result, a spirit allowance was introduced instead.

Due to the political influence of Caribbean plantation owners at the time, rum became the spirit of choice. From then on, rum became synonymous with sailors and naval life.

This daily drink allowance became known as the rum ration, or simply “the tot”.

How Much Was in a Rum Ration?

When the rum ration was introduced in 1655, each sailor received half a pint of rum per day.

Before the invention of the hydrometer, the strength of rum was tested using gunpowder. A small amount of rum was poured onto gunpowder and ignited using a magnifying glass.

If the gunpowder ignited, the rum was considered “proof”.
If it exploded, the rum was overproof.
If it failed to ignite, the rum was underproof.

The word “proof” originates from this very practice. Heaven help the purser if the rum was underproof!

Dilution and the Birth of Grog

By 1725, the amount of alcohol consumed through rum rations was becoming a problem. Some sailors saved their daily tots and drank them all at once. Drunkenness was punishable by flogging, but it still occurred.

Admiral Edward Vernon was tasked with solving the issue. His solution was simple: dilute the rum.

The rum ration itself remained, but it had to be mixed with water at a ratio of 1:4 (rum to water). Over time, this ratio changed to 1:3, then 1:2. Eventually, the rum ration itself was reduced to one-eighth of a pint.

The watered-down drink became known as grog. The name derived from Admiral Vernon’s nickname, “Old Grog”, which came from the grogram coats he wore. Grogram was a fabric woven from silk and wool.

The Abolition of Rum Rations

The tradition of daily rum rations continued for over 300 years.

However, by the late 20th century, concerns were raised about safety and efficiency. Modern naval operations required sailors to operate increasingly complex and delicate machinery.

The Admiralty Board stated:

“The rum issue is no longer compatible with the high standards of efficiency required now that the individual’s tasks in ships are concerned with complex, and often delicate, machinery and systems on the correct functioning of which people’s lives may depend.”

The final rum rations were issued on 31 July 1970, a day now remembered as Black Tot Day.

Rum Rations and Sailing Tradition Today

Although rum rations are no longer issued, the tradition remains a powerful symbol of naval heritage. “Up spirits” is still a familiar phrase, and Black Tot Day is commemorated each year by sailors and rum enthusiasts alike.

The story of rum rations is a reminder of the hardships, discipline and camaraderie of life at sea, something every sailor, past and present, can appreciate.

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