16/03/2026
Experience and Participate in Rum Tot Ceremony Re-enactment @ Puhoi Organic Distillery
This tradition, deeply revered by sailors, dates back centuries to a time when service on sailing warships was unbearably hard and extremely dangerous. Tot was poured as usual at 6 bells in the forenoon watch (11am).
The time when the rum ration was distributed was called "Up Spirits", which was between 11 am and 12 noon. A common cry from the sailors was "Stand fast the Holy Ghost". This was in response to the bouun’s call: "Up Spirits".
The last rum ration for British Royal Navy personal was on 31 July 1970 and became known as Black Tot Day as sailors were unhappy about the loss of the rum ration.
Royal Canadian Nave the final day of the rum ration was stopped on 31 March 1972.
The New Zealand Royal Navy the rum ration exists until 28 February 1990. Therefore, the New Zealand Royal Navy became the last to regularly issue a rum ration, this marked the global end of the rum ration.
In the British Royal Navy, the rum ration, or "tot", from 1866 to the end of 20th century consisted of daily issue of strong, aka Navy strength rum. This tradition was soaked into the blood of many generations of sailors, and lives in their memories still. Inspired by this tradition, the Puhoi Organic Distillery’s team has:
A) created a sophisticated version of the Navy Strength Rum
B) compiled Rum Tot Ceremony Re-enactment
What you can expect at the Rum Tot Ceremony Re-enactment:
* Location: Panoramic Cellar Door Venue adjacent to the Puhoi Organic Distillery, nestled in the historic part of Puhoi Bohemian Village
* Duration: 1.5 hours
* Session Tickets limited to 18 persons (18+ only)
* Includes participation in Rum Tot Issue Ceremony
* Navy Rum Tasting + Gourmet refreshments
* Infotainment: history and tradition of Rum Tot explained
* “Splice the Main Brace” flag set raised upon ‘Up Spirits’ command
* Your Hosts: Puhoi Organic Distillery’s team leaders
