Rum and the sea have a long-standing relationship and this link goes way back to the sugar trade, which went hand-in-hand with the slave trade. During these times, sailors enjoyed drinking rum during their time at sea, just like office workers enjoying their break. So what is it about rum that makes sailors and pirates so fond of it? Read on to discover more about the history of rum and sailors.
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did pirates actually drink rum?
Did pirates actually drink rum? The answer is yes. Rum was the drink of choice among pirates in the early 1700s. It was popularized in Hollywood as a naughty drink that pirates drank on the open seas. Pirates could get rum through force, coin, and stealth. The drink fuelled their drunken escapades. However, not all pirates were as fond of rum as Captain Henry Morgan.
It was common for sailors and long-haul pirates to consume rum to stay hydrated. The sailors would drink the water first. However, water quickly rancid. Beer, on the other hand, has a longer shelf life. In addition, rum could sit in a ship’s bowels for the longest time without spoiling. While rum was the drink of choice for pirates, it was not a healthy beverage. It can be addictive and cause alcoholism.
During the Golden Age of Piracy, freshwater was not readily available. Ships would ration water by soaking it in barrels. These barrels eventually became overly-strong and sedimented. Eventually, sailors would drink water that contained water and lime juice. This resulting liquid, known as grog, contained enough alcohol to kill any enemy. A small amount of this liquid was served to sailors each morning.
how strong was pirate rum?
The history of pirates and rum dates back to the early 1700s. Its popularity was helped by the fact that pirates had access to large quantities of it. The rules for alcohol consumption were relaxed, making it easy to overindulge. In contrast, military vessels were under strict liquor rationing. In addition to being highly intoxicated, pirates often suffered from lax discipline, which could lead to ship loss.
Rum was very popular with pirates during the Golden Age of Piracy. In fact, rum was so common and cheap that it became their main drink. The pirates could use it as currency and trade with each other. It was also known as grog. This cocktail of rum and slimy water was called grog. It was popular for a variety of reasons, including its medicinal properties. But the most common reason for rum’s widespread availability and ease of use made it a preferred drink among sailors.
The history of rum and pirates goes back to 1883. The novel Treasure Island was the first to associate pirates and rum. This novel features a song by Captain Billy Bones called Yo-ho-ho-ho and a bottle of rum, which is still widely known today. Many pirates drank enormous amounts of rum, which often led to brawls. In the 19th century, pirate hunters even captured the pirate ship Calico Jack while its crew was drunk.
Why is rum popular with sailors?
Rum has been a popular drink for sailors for centuries. It was first introduced to sailors by British seafarers as a source of hydration during long voyages. Later, sailors began mixing it with fruit and spices. It eventually became an integral part of sailor culture and was even used as currency on some ships. Even today, rum is still a popular drink with sailors. There are many reasons why rum is so popular among sailors.
Historically, sailors used to drink straight rum whenever they wanted. It was even used to cure scurvy, a disease that is caused by a lack of vitamin C. Sailors spent long periods of time without fresh fruits or vegetables, making them prone to vitamin deficiency. Today, sailors often save their rations for drinking sprees. The word “groggy” originates from the term ‘groggy’, which is also derived from the use of rum.
The use of rum dates back to the 16th century, when the British Royal Navy provided sailors with a daily serving. This practice continued until July 31, 1970, when sailors ceremoniously dumped the last barrel of rum into the sea. Today, a gallon of rum has 40% alcohol content. As a result, it is a great rationing tool for sailors. It is also useful in bartering, as sailors used it as a benefit for service on board.
