Black Tot

A daily 'tot' was a measure of wine or spirits given to sailors aboard navy ships - while the date of the exact start of this tradition is somehwat murky, it appears it was originally a way of encouraging men to join navies by offering a regular drink that would keep them relatively happy in tough circumstances. Originally wine or beer would be the measure, but after the colonisation of the Caribbean, this was eventually replaced with a measure of rum - initially overproof, then diluted and reduced as it became apparent you can indeed have too much of a good thing.

As technology improved, as well as awareness of what alcohol does to the body, the daily ration would eventually become obsolete. July 31st 1970 at 11am saw the final ration of rum presented to sailors in the British Navy - a sombre occasion for those present, and a date that would be known henceforth as 'Black Tot Day'.

Elixir Distillers - led by an old employee of mine, Oliver Chilton - spent 2 years creating a rum brand that would honour the naval tradition by blending rums from a number of countries to create a flavour profile that exemplified the old strong flavours of Navy rum without being to sweet and/or bitter.

The end result is a blend of column and pot still rums from Barbados, Guyana and Jamaica. The latter influence is clear, with a spicy edge in the background supporting dark sugar and espresso coffee notes. It's a stunning sipping rum, but also works brilliantly in a Dark 'n' Stormy or a Cable Car!