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| Britain |
| Last Navy rum sold, £600 a bottle |
| 2010-07-30 |
| Some 6,000 bottles of Black Tot Rum were issued for sale at HMS Belfast on the River Thames in London. On 31st July 1970, known as Black Tot Day, the last rations were given out to serving sailors, calling to a close a tradition going back some 300 years. Sailors bore black armbands and conducted mock funerals to bid farewell to the rations. However, a small consignment was left unused. The surplus, from E.D. & F. Man & Co, official rum merchants to the Navy since 1784, was stored in wicker-clad stone flagons, with only small amounts withdrawn for state occasions. Now the bottles, each presented in a dark wooden case with a copper cup measuring the official half gill measure, will be sold. Buyers will have to dig deep, however, as each bottle carries a hefty £600 price tag. |
| Posted by:tipper |
| #4 Answer to #3: Her Majesty's Islamic sailors may object. |
| Posted by: borgboy 2010-07-30 16:39 |
| #3 My question is: After 300 years, why is it all of a sudden unacceptable to ration a sailor 2oz. of rum a day? |
| Posted by: bigjim-CA 2010-07-30 15:09 |
| #2 Pusser's Rum, aka "Nelson's Blood", the brand produced by *wooden* stills, is definitely an acquired taste, and a lot more formidable than is typical with a metal still rum. The manufacturer makes much about the flavors imparted by the wood. The rum is made from molasses, not sugarcane juice. http://www.pussers.com/rum It is still available for purchase, and is a must have for Patrick O'Brian fans. Royalties are paid to The Royal Navy Sailor's Fund by the manufacturer. |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2010-07-30 10:37 |
| #1 Six hundred pounds? Guys, it's just rum, and not even all that good. Trust me, I've had some. |
| Posted by: mojo 2010-07-30 10:25 |