NAVY STRENGTH GIN
High Proof, Bold Flavor, Built for Impact
Navy Strength gin is gin turned up to eleven—a high-proof style traditionally bottled at around 57% ABV. Originally developed to ensure that spilled gin wouldn’t prevent gunpowder from igniting aboard British naval ships, this powerhouse spirit is now prized by bartenders and enthusiasts for its intensity, structure, and ability to shine in cocktails. It’s not just stronger—it’s bolder, more botanical, and deeply expressive. Navy Strength gin amplifies everything you love about gin, from juniper bite to citrus brightness and herbal complexity.
Key Characteristics
Bottled at 57% ABV or higher, Navy Strength gins are robust, concentrated, and flavorful. The higher alcohol content intensifies the aroma and taste of the botanicals, making it ideal for mixing without losing definition.
Style
High-proof gin, traditionally 57% ABV or higher
May be London Dry, contemporary, or another botanical style in base character
Body
Full
Texture
Hot, oily, assertive; intense but smooth when well made
Primary Botanicals
Juniper (dominant), with bold support from coriander, citrus peel, angelica, cardamom, licorice, and additional high-impact botanicals
Typical Flavors
Juniper resin, citrus oil, dry spice, pine, cracked pepper, herbal heat, earthy roots
Origin & History
The term “Navy Strength” dates to the 18th century, when British sailors were allotted daily rations of spirits. At 57% ABV, gin spilled onto gunpowder would still allow it to ignite—deemed "proof" that the spirit wasn’t watered down. Though the historical story is more symbolic than literal today, the name stuck. The modern revival of Navy Strength came with the craft cocktail boom, where stronger spirits were favored for shaken and stirred drinks that demanded bold flavor.
How It’s Made
Navy Strength gins are produced using the same methods as their lower-proof counterparts—typically by redistilling a neutral spirit with botanicals—but bottled at a higher final alcohol level. This amplifies botanical extraction and aromatics. Most are based on London Dry or Contemporary profiles, but the higher proof creates a fuller, hotter mouthfeel and a longer finish.
Notable Styles
Navy Strength is less about a different recipe and more about intensity. Variations include:
Traditional Navy Strength
Juniper-heavy, dry, ideal for citrus cocktails
Contemporary High-Proof Gins
Botanical-focused with bolder florals or spice
Aged Navy Strength Gins
Rare, but some use oak to round edges and add vanilla or tannin
Citrus-Focused
Grapefruit, lime peel, and yuzu shine at high proof
Cocktail Pairings
Navy Strength gin is the bartender’s secret weapon—able to hold its own in bold or diluted drinks without losing botanical identity.
Classic Cocktails
Navy Martini, Gimlet, Corpse Reviver #2, Aviation, Southside
Modern Mixes
Grapefruit Ginger Fizz, Navy Gin Smash, Blueberry Basil Sour, Yuzu G&T
Food Pairings
Pairs best with bold, fatty, or spicy dishes that can stand up to its power—especially grilled or fried foods and rich cheeses.
With Savory
Fried chicken, fish and chips, grilled sausage, curried chickpeas, crab cakes
With Cheese
Aged cheddar, blue cheese, triple cream, hard sheep’s milk cheese
With Dessert
Lemon meringue tart, gin & tonic sorbet, rosemary shortbread, bittersweet chocolate bark
How to Serve It
Glassware
Highball (for tonic), coupe (for stirred), or Martini glass
Temperature
Chilled or shaken for cocktails; rarely served neat due to high ABV, but excellent over a large cube with citrus
Storage
Store upright in a cool, dark place. High-proof gin is shelf-stable and retains aromatics well after opening
Fun Fact
At 57% ABV, Navy Strength gin has just enough alcohol that if spilled onto black powder, it would still ignite—hence the term “proof” in spirits labeling.
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