After earning degrees in Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering at University of Southern California, he enlisted in the Marines and became a Vietnam War Pilot and later special forces in Laos. Tobias has an incredible life story of adventure and entrepreneurship. The seas may have gone dry since, but the rum lives on today and is available for indulging around the world thanks to Charles Tobias, MBE. On July 31 st, 1970 the Admiralty Board abolished the issuance of rum naming this day “Black tot day”. The tot of Pusser’s was given out for decades in some form to the Royal Navy until a screeching halt in 1970. You can only imagine what a ship full of heavily intoxicated 16 th century sailors celebrating would look like. In battle or after a victory, more of the rum was given out. Prior to 1740, the tot was a full pint given to sailors where they would drink it neat. Hence, the name “Pusser” developed over time. This ration, or “tot” was given out by the officer who gave out the daily goods, also known as the Purser. The Pusser’s formulation, long before its official name was made with molasses and given to sailors as a daily ration in the British Royal Navy. To think, where would rum be without sailors? Or sailors without Rum? Due to its formulation with cane sugar or molasses, this spirit was kept on board for those long journeys at sea. Sailors and rum have a long past bond in history, the two are nearly interdependent. Pusser’s is rich in tales of sea and grog. Little did I know the history of this local staple cocktail actually dates back for centuries! Pusser’s is no doubt one of the quintessential Annapolis pillars when it comes to our bar scene, however it is much more than a dock bar with a good view. I absolutely enjoy bringing tourists into our local rum bar for a classic Painkiller, a view, and a boozy history lesson.

When showing friends around the beautiful town of Annapolis, one of my go-to stops is always Pusser’s.

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