On the 50th anniversary of Black Tot Day, 31st July 2020, we are pleased to announce our new Navy Strength Rum.
Launched at London’s RumFest in October 2019, we have received rave reviews from consumers, trade, and media alike, and has won multiple global awards*. On the 50th anniversary of Black Tot Day, Mainbrace is producing a limited edition run of 500 bottles of Navy Strength Rum with an ABV of 54.5%. These will be available for purchase on 16th August, which also happens to be National Rum Day!
A truly momentous day in Royal Navy history, Black Tot Day on 31st July 1970 marked the abolition of the Daily Rum Tot issued to all seamen in the navy. Mainbrace Navy Strength Rum is consistent with the Royal Navy Standard of 54.5%. This was the lowest alcohol content that would still allow gunpowder to light if it was soaked in the rum. So, the term “proof” came from testing whether the rum was of high enough ABV to light the gunpowder.
Born from a phrase associated with courage, loyalty, and teamwork, Mainbrace gets its name from the naval tradition of “splicing the mainbrace”. As the main rope connecting the mast of the ship, the mainbrace was often targeted by enemy fire, and the brave team of Ratings who repaired it by splicing the rope together would be rewarded by their naval officers with a double tot of rum in celebration.
In line with this tradition, Mainbrace’s bell-bottomed shape and six-pointed star logo are designed to resemble the so-called “grog tubs” used in the Royal Navy to dispense the rum ration. The printed phrase on the cork, “the Queen – God bless her”, is the toast that the Royal Navy would make before enjoying their daily tot.
*Mainbrace has received a silver in the London Spirits Awards 2020, a silver at the Rum and Cachaça Masters 2020, and a bronze in The San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
