A special event in Halifax March 29th to celebrate Black Tot Day - A tribute to Navy Rum

Register at https://www.belowthesalt.ca/event-details/black-tot-day-a-tribute-to-navy-rum

And for those who don't know about Navy Rum.......

Many rum lovers have heard about Navy Rum and know that it must be traditionally over proof - but most do not know the history and chemistry behind it.

In the Age of Sail before proofing hydrometers were invented, the Purser - the shipboard officer in charge of accounts - was entrusted with provisioning the crew with the daily tot. If the crew felt the rum was unduly watered, they would mix a dash of gunpowder into the rum and light it. This fiery test would prove beyond a doubt the Purser's honesty or lack thereof.

So why would the crew be suspicious of the Purser?

Rum was brought aboard ship at cask strength. Cask strength is the optimum alcohol content to provide flavour when aging, and it varies according to the temperature and humidity of the environment in which the rum was distilled and barreled. Because the Purser was in charge of the ship's accounts and could profit from efficiencies, the crew would be naturally suspicious especially so if they felt the quality of their rations was in decline.

Our Trois Capitaines Rum is traditionally overproof at 52%. Smooth enough to enjoy as a digestif yet perfect for cocktails.

While we refrain from publishing cocktail recipes as we stay away from sugar laden additives, we do love our signature Grey Seas Under.

GREY SEAS UNDER RECIPE

In a highball glass add ice.

Drizzle over lemon juice and a splash of Hutchinsons Ginger Wine Add the 1/3 glass of Cape Breton Highland artesian sparkling water (or your local lively spring water)

Drizzle 1.5 oz Trois Capitaines Merchant Navy Rum over all - so it lazily sinks down through the other ingredients.