For over two centuries, the Royal Navy issued daily rum rations to fortify the spirits of their crew. With advances in naval technology and the cultural ebb of time, this much-loved tradition was brought to an end on 31st July 1970, a day forever known as Black Tot Day.
On 31st?July 2021, fifty-one years later, there will be a one-off event onboard HMS Belfast for a very special evening in partnership with Black Tot Rum.
Black Tot Rum’s?Head Blender Oliver Chilton will take guests through a sampling session of the Royal Navy blend, with 5 samplers of a historically inspired rum evolved for the enthusiasts of today.
Oliver will be joined by IWM curator Rob Rumble, who will explain the history and significance of the rum tot and its association with Britain?s most significant surviving Second World War Royal Navy warship, HMS Belfast.
Following a fascinating discussion, guests can enter HMS Belfast?s own rum provision room where the crew would have ?up spirits?, a highlight of their day. Then head to the refurbished Boat Deck for incredible views of central London and experience either a ?Black & Stormy? or ?Black Tot Old Fashioned? cocktail, mixed and supervised by Oliver himself.
Rob Rumble is the Lead Curator for HMS Belfast at Imperial War Museums. His specialisms include Second World War and Cold War naval history, as well as irregular warfare, spies & intelligence and RAF photography. His recent projects include the reinterpretation of HMS Belfast in 2021, as well as the ten-year Masterplan for the ship.
Oliver Chilton has worked in the spirits industry for most of his life. After abandoning a life as a barista for the bright lights of the whisky shop opposite, he hasn’t looked back. With the creation of Elixir Distillers as a separate arm of Whisky Exchange HQ, Oliver took on the role of Head Blender and now selects, blends and bottles whisky and rum for both Elixir Distillers and The Whisky Exchange, focusing on the Black Tot, Port Askaig, Elements of Islay and Single Malts of Scotland ranges.
Aged 18+
HMS Belfast, The Queen’s Walk,?Bermondsey, SE1 2JH. Time: 6 – 8pm 31st July 2021. Admission: ?30, ?27. Ticket includes access to the ship?s visitor areas from 5pm until the start of the event.
Booking: https://www.iwm.org.uk/events/iwm-in-conversation-rum-and-the-royal-navy