The Navy Daily Tot: a tradition celebrated by the Gibraltar Distillery Company
- Gibraltar Distillery Company
- Apr 7
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 8
The Royal Navy’s daily tot of Rum is a storied tradition that dates back centuries, steeped in history and maritime culture. At Gibraltar Distillery Company, we honour this legacy through our award-winning spirits, including our barrel-aged, navy-strength Caribbean Spiced Rum, inspired by the very rituals that shaped naval life. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the origins of the daily tot, its evolution, and how our spirits pay homage to this historic practice. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a rum lover, or planning a visit to Gibraltar, join us on this journey through time—and discover why our distillery is a must-visit destination at Grand Casemates Square.
What was the Navy Daily Tot of Rum?
The daily tot of Rum was a ration of rum issued to sailors in the Royal Navy, a practice that began in 1655 and continued for over 300 years until its end on July 31, 1970, a day now known as Black Tot Day. This tradition started when Admiral William Penn, on a mission to claim the West Indies for Britain, substituted beer with rum as the sailors’ daily alcohol ration. Rum was an ideal choice for long voyages: it had a longer shelf life than beer, took up less space, and was readily available from British colonies in the Caribbean, such as Jamaica and Barbados, where Sugarcane—a key ingredient in rum production—was abundant.
Initially, the tot was a generous half-pint of rum per sailor per day, served neat. However, by the 18th century, concerns about drunkenness led to changes. In 1740, Admiral Edward Vernon, nicknamed “Old Grog” for his grogram cloak, ordered the rum to be diluted with water to reduce its potency. This mixture, known as “grog,” typically consisted of one part rum to two parts water for junior ratings, while senior ratings received their rum neat. The standard ration eventually settled at one-eighth of an imperial pint (about 71 ml) of rum at 54.6% ABV, served at midday after the bosun’s call of “Up Spirits.”
The evolution of the daily Tot in the Royal Navy
The daily tot wasn’t just a drink—it was a ritual that fostered camaraderie and morale among sailors. The rum was stored in large oak barrels in the ship’s rum store, then transferred to a decorated Rum Tub for distribution. These tubs, often inscribed with patriotic phrases like “The Queen, God Bless Her,” were a focal point of the ceremony. Sailors would gather around as the rum was measured out into tot glasses, which were famously never washed on the inside to preserve the residue of past tots, believed to enhance the flavour over time.
The tot also had a strategic purpose. In the 18th century, rum was a valuable commodity in the Caribbean, and Gibraltar played a pivotal role as a trading gateway to the Mediterranean. During the Great Siege of Gibraltar (1779–1783), the daily tot would have been a morale booster for sailors and soldiers stationed on the Rock. Historical figures like Admiral Horatio Nelson, who led the British fleet to victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, ensured their men received their daily ration. Nelson’s connection to Gibraltar is particularly significant—after his death at Trafalgar, his body was reputedly preserved in a cask of Rum as his flagship, HMS Victory, returned to Gibraltar for repairs.
Over time, the daily tot faced scrutiny. By the 20th century, the Royal Navy began to question its relevance in a modern, mechanised fleet where sobriety was increasingly critical. On Black Tot Day in 1970, the tradition officially ended, marked by sailors wearing black armbands and holding mock funerals for the rum ration. However, the legacy of the daily tot lives on, celebrated through spirits like those crafted by the Gibraltar Distillery Company with its award-winning Trafalgar 1805 Caribbean Spiced Rum.
Gibraltar’s role in Naval History and the daily Tot
Gibraltar has long been a strategic stronghold for the Royal Navy, serving as a key port during conflicts like the Great Siege and the Battle of Trafalgar. Its position at the entrance to the Mediterranean made it a vital hub for trade and naval operations, including the supply of rum from the Caribbean. The Rock’s history is intertwined with the daily tot tradition, as ships often stopped here to resupply, repair, and distribute rations to their crews.
At the Gibraltar Distillery Company, we draw inspiration from this rich history. Our Trafalgar Caribbean Spiced Rum, created in recognition of the Battle of Trafalgar, captures the spirit of the 18th century, when Nelson’s men would have enjoyed their daily tot straight from the Grog Tub. With rich Vanilla, Chocolate, and hints of Coffee, Pepper, and Ginger, this Rum reflects the bold flavours that would have warmed the hearts of sailors stationed in Gibraltar centuries ago.
How the Gibraltar Distillery Company honours the daily Tot tradition
At the Gibraltar Distillery Company, we’re passionate about preserving the Rock’s naval heritage through our spirits. Our Rum is a tribute to the daily tot, crafted to reflect the strength and character of the rum that fuelled the Royal Navy. Unlike modern Rums, ours is barrel-aged to evoke the traditional methods of the 18th century, when rum was stored in oak casks aboard ships. This process imparts a depth of flavour that transports you back to the days of wooden ships and iron men.
We also celebrate Gibraltar’s broader role in naval history with our other spirits, such as our Blackstrap Cove Single Malt Whisky, matured in Pedro Ximenez barrels—a nod to the trading traditions that flourished after Nelson’s victories opened the Mediterranean to British commerce. Our two Gins, inspired by the “Gin Commissioning Kits” given to newly commissioned Royal Navy ships, further honour the officers who enjoyed Gin while sailors received their Rum.
Visit the Gibraltar Distillery Company store to experience history in every sip
If you’re looking for things to do in Gibraltar, a visit to the Gibraltar Distillery Company store at Grand Casemates Square is a must. We offer complementary samplings where you can discover our award-winning spirits and learn about the history of the Rock through the lens of our Rum, Whisky, and Gins. Our Trafalgar Caribbean Spiced Rum is a direct link to the daily tot tradition, offering a taste of the past with every sip. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, our collection provides a unique opportunity to connect with Gibraltar’s naval heritage while enjoying some of the finest spirits in the region.
Why the daily Tot still matters today
The daily tot may have ended in 1970, but its legacy endures as a symbol of the Royal Navy’s resilience and camaraderie. At the Gibraltar Distillery Company, we believe in keeping this tradition alive by crafting spirits that tell the story of Gibraltar’s pivotal role in naval history. Our Rum and Gins are more than just drinks—they’re a celebration of the sailors who braved the seas, the battles that shaped the world, and the Rock that stood as a steadfast guardian of British interests.
So, the next time you’re in Gibraltar, raise a glass of our Trafalgar Rum and toast to the daily tot—a tradition that has stood the test of time. Visit us at Grand Casemates Square, Upper Level, for a complementary sampling, and let us take you on a journey through History, one sip at a time.
