Offering fringe benefits during the hiring process to entice workers has been a common practice for centuries. The English Navy is no exception. One of the more popular “fringe benefits” of joining the Royal Navy became known as the “Rum Ration” or “Daily Tot”.   Although we commonly associate this “daily tot” with rum, the ration varied by commander, port of call, and basically what the quartermaster could procure.  Rum, whiskey, brandy, beer, wine, basically whatever spirit was available in the port of calls was offered.

The rum actually served a significant role not just in morale but also the health of the crew.  Water stored in in wooden casks in a hot tropical climate often went brackish quickly. Beer would last longer but once the cask was opened, it too spoiled easily.  Distilled spirits, on the other hand, had enough alcohol to keep them from supporting bacterial growth.  The rum could also be used as a sedative by the ship’s surgeon.  Add to this the social benefits of keeping the sailors’ morale up in brutal conditions and it was pretty clear that captains with a generous store of distilled spirits on board were going to be more successful. 

In the 18th century, each sailor was issued a gil (half an Imperial pint) of rum each day at eight bells (about noon) of the Forenoon Watch.  A call of “Up Spirits!” would echo through the ship and all men would gather on deck to receive their “daily tot” of rum. Of course, about a third of the crew could not consume their daily to immediately as they were on duty, sometimes almost 100 ft above the deck on a rolling ship, so it was commonplace to collect but save that ration in a small flask. 

The Regimental Brewmeister has secured a small stash of copper flasks.  Each is 10 ounces and suitable for keeping your daily tot.  Perhaps you have seen the one I carry in my haversack.  These are heavy and well made.  Perfect for keeping a little liquid courage handy should you have to face British bayonets.  I found a deal on 10 and I am selling these for $40 each, first come, first served.  No, I will not ship them but if you are a known person, I might hold one for you until you can meet me at an event.

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