"Rum And The Royal Navy " Topic

"The Royal Navy's successful invasion of Jamaica in 1655 had a lot of terribly negative outcomes. The commanders ended up in the Tower of London. Many of the English sailors fell sick or starved. A lot of Spanish settlers died. But there was one undeniably positive outcome: rum.

It's Friday afternoon, you've made it through the long week, and it's time for Happy Hour, Gizmodo's weekly booze column. Enjoy this cocktail shaker full of innovation, science, and substances. And watch out for pirates.

After that fated invasion, the Royal Navy started giving its sailors daily rations of domestically produced rum instead of the French brandy they'd been receiving. ("Domestically produced" meaning produced on the captured island of Jamaica, of course.) Referred to as a "tot," this ration of rum measured about half a pint and was given to sailors around midday. The order used to distribute rum rations—"splice the mainbrace"—got its name from one of the most difficult repair jobs aboard it the ship. It remains a euphemism for having a drink today.

In order to ensure that the rum hadn't been watered down, the sailors would "prove" the spirit's strength by pouring it on gunpowder and then trying to ignite it. If it lit up, they knew that the alcohol content was greater than 57 percent. If it did not, the rum was considered "under proof." This is where the term alcohol proof comes from, though it means something slightly different today…"
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Amicalement
Armand

While the rum was never (rarely) watered down in and of itself, it was usually mixed with water when issued to drink, in order to cut down on a half pint of pure liquor being downed in one shot and the results pertaining to said event.

Considering "small beer" was often avail for both breakfast and dinner, there was a lot of alcohol flowing (so to speak).

Some say it lead to half drunk sailors, but I think those were different times and alcohol was pretty standard issue in lieu of what could be bad water.

So what is the concensus here…were AoFS sailors in any way:

DRUNK

IMPAIRED

or just

SLIGHTLY TIPSY and even then only at certain times.

It'd be nice to hear some opinions/thoughts.

BTW…what was/is…"Small Beer"?

Small Beer is a Beer with very little Alcohol Content.

After the frist brew the "mulch" (Don't think it is the right word!) was re-used and brewed again.
this brew was less strong and called small beer
Be safe
Rory

I have read that on Middle Ages Beer was taking in breakfasts! (smile)

With the work they have to do, Rum was necesary for those brave sailors.

French have wine. Not the same!.(smile)

Amicalement
Armand

My father (ex-RCNVR, WWII) has described the daily rum ration to my several times. It was administered by a Petty Officer, and witnessed by an officer. The men queued up is single file. The rum was issued, and had to be drunk in front of the PO and officer before the next matelot took his turn.

Rick

Rum, y, and the lash! Great traditions!

Russian sailors drink vodka? (In the XIX° Century)

Amicalement
Armand

Rum, bum and baccy! What memories…er…well, I smoked back then!