The Golden Grog Award 

The History of "Grog"

Getting out the vote was as important in the 18th century as it is today. On election day, 1758, George Washington, who was then running for the Virginia House of Burgesses, delivered 160 gallons of rum, beer, and other spirits to the 391 people who comprised the electorate. "Swilling" the voters became an institution in several states to the extent that, in 1792, the Click here opined that "The voice of the people is the voice of grog."

This "swilling" of the people continues today in various forms. No longer is it simply rum, beer and spirits, but pork spending, corporate welfare and government programs.

Where Did the name "Grog" come from?

Edward Vernon ("Old Grog") (1684–1757) who was an English naval officer. His nickname derived from the grogram coat he wore. Grogram is a coarse fabric of silk mixed with wool or with mohair and often stiffened with gum.

Vernon's enduring claim to fame was his 1740 order that his sailors' rum should be diluted with water. The rest of the Royal Navy rapidly followed his lead, calling the new drink "grog" after Vernon's nickname.

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