tot

At a Glance

• Active period: 1731-1970

A daily ration of rum measuring 1/8 of a pint at 95.5% proof given by the Royal Navy each to its sailors at midday. The practice was discontinued on July 31, 1970, which became known as Black Tot Day.

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1655 - Rum is introduced to the Royal Navy shortly after the invasion of Jamaica.

1731 - The daily ration of 1/2 pint of rum is codified by the Royal Navy.

1740 - Admiral Vernon orders the daily ration be mixed with water, a mixture known henceforth as grog after Vernon's nickname, "old Grogram."

1810 - The Royal Navy's rum blend is codified.

1823 - The daily ration is cut in half to 1/4 pint.

1850 - The daily ration is again cut in half, now 1/8 pint.

1970 - The last daily tot is served by the Royal Navy on July 31, 1970.

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In 1979, the rights to the Royal Navy's rum blend were purchased and soon after commercialized as Pusser's Rum.