Rum

Rum is an alcoholic spirit distilled form cane sugar or molasses. It is strongly associated with the islands of the Caribbean where sugar cane is grown in large quantities. Rum was imported in large quantities form the British Caribbean colonies. The drink displaced Gin as the dominant spirit in England during the 18th century. Rum became closely associated the the British Royal Navy. Starting in 1655 until 1 August, 1970, the sailors were supplied with a daily Rum ration. Aside form the intoxicating effect, the ration had a practical purpose. Adding the rum to water, producing Grog, made the water safe to drink. Many Royal Navy ships still carry rum, though this is now largely ceremonial than for consumption.

After the death of Admiral Nelson in the Battle of Trafalgar, the Admiral body was brought back to England for burial. An unusual even as most sailors would have been buried at sea. To prevent Nelson's body decomposing on route, so the legend tells, he was placed into a barrel of rum. However, the sailors took sly tots of Nelson's rum as the ships traveled home. When the ship arrived in England, the barrel was found to be dry. This tail has lead to the nick name for rum becoming Nealson's blood.