why is it called navy strength gin

These amazing navy strength gins use that firepower to intensify their characteristic botanicals and spices. Classic juniper takes on a rich buttery mouthfeel, and citrus emerges in a simmering afterglow. Simply put, Navy Strength gin is any gin with a minimum ABV of 57%. Many Australian craft distilleries like Nick and Allys have a navy strength gin in their repertoire - unlike almost all large international distilleries, which rarely go above 45%. Serious enough that we are experts at producing the finest gin in the world. Navy Strength gin is also qualified by the level known as proof, it has to have at least a level of 114 proof (or 57% alcohol by volume). This was crucial as casks of rum and gunpowder were stored in close proximity, so should stormy seas or extremes of battle cause one or more of the many casks of rum on board to spill their contents and drench nearby gunpowder, then, so long as the rum was overproof its fire-power would be unaffected. The access of this website is strictly restricted to people over the legal age for alcohol consumption. Check out our shop of Australian craft spirits here. less. There are two origin theories about navy strength spirit and its potency. This makes it the oldest working distillery in England. Some of the last consignment of naval rum blended by ED&F Man & Co. still exists, though, and has been bottled and is available for sale under the name The Black Tot. Generally, spirits took up less space on board and also didnt spoil as beer did. Until 1816, there was no official or accurate way of measuring the strength of alcohol, explains Burger. Made from juniper berries, a type of super fruit, gin serves as one of the healthiest spirits ever created. Steve and Viv Muir started small in the Gin business as they began their journey by experimenting with distilling in their home using Vivs mum's pressure cooker and some old copper central heating pipes. These amazing navy strength gins use that firepower to intensify their characteristic botanicals and spices. Simply put, Navy Strength gin is any gin with a minimum ABV of 57%. Theres also an argument that higher strength boozes wouldnt contaminate the gunpowder store if the barrels were to spill. After the high proof drives a truck through your palate, leaving it numb and gasping for flavorful relief, Conniption fills that void with savory cooking spices like Indian coriander, caraway, cardamom and, most clearly, rosemary. An excerpt from the feature, read aloud by Burger, reads: If their Lordships and the Admiralty thought alcohol and computer gunnery didnt mix, they should put the officers and petty officers on the wagon first. Gin is a popular alcoholic drink amongst us Brits and we take drinking our gin very seriously. At its core and by definition, a Navy Strength gin has to have an abv of at least 57%. Atopia Spiced Citrus is an "ultra-low alcohol" spirit at just 0.5% ABV. Both gin and rum were stored in wooden barrels togetherwith the gunpowder below deck. Drunkenness aboard the Royal Navy was a serious issue, and it didnt really sit very comfortably with the Navys modern image of computerised warfare. The figures are telling. After beer and wine served their time as navy rations, rum and gin moved in as smart replacements. Whats the naval tie-in? For a long time the Navy carried its gin and rum at this strength, but it wasnt really a consumer product, so it wasnt really known as Navy Strength gin, explains Burger. Technically, all gin with more than 57.15% alcohol is a navy strength gin. Technically, all gin with more than 57.15% alcohol is a navy strengthgin. Why is rum black? Hern Navy Strength is somehow creamier, with the vanilla rising to the forefront and coating your lips with the numbing liquor like vanilla chapstick. At 114 proof, the gin variety lives up to its tough guy origins. Forward a few years, they have a globally recognised brand that is pioneering spirit making. 2. It was coined by the branding consultant John Murphy on behalf of Plymouth Gin in 1993 for something very old what used to be called 100 UK proof spirit. Rum can also be darker if molasses, burnt sugar or caramel is added for color and flavor. Of a more thoroughbred brand of men who, let's be honest, could drink any landlubbing swain under the table. It may just be the super strong wintertime sipper you need to break through the cold. Interestingly, the man who invented the equipment interpreted the data slightly differently and said that it should actually be 57.15%. In the short term, excessive drinking can lead to risky behavior or alcohol poisoning. This, he says, was a line of criticism that was taken up enthusiastically in the House of Commons as they debated the ban. And what is the difference between this and "Overproof"? The building houseda monastery prior to 1793. Youll usually find gin at 40% up to the mid-40s. They also stock a very limited edition Sapphire Gin that is elegant and complex in flavour. As you might expect, Haymans bursts with juniper, but the characteristic berry takes on the floral influence of violet, which is also prominent in the blend. Citrus, spice and pepper, woodiness and juniper all shine out in these OP gins. Enjoy responsibly. Serious enough that we are experts at producing the finest gin in the world. Pussers Gunpowder Proof is a traditional Royal Navy style rum produced at original Admiralty strength and in accordance with the Admiraltys blending recipe last used when the Royal Navy discontinued its daily ration on 31 July 1970. What is Navy Strength gin? We suggest you try Navy Strength Gin. Historically, it was believed that gin would be able to fight off diseases like malaria and scurvy. Type on the field below and hit Enter/Return to search, We think you're in United Kingdom - Mainland (, on Splice the mainbrace! What of their operational efficiency? The phrase 'Navy Strength' is used for Gins that are above 57% ABV which gives the Gin a staunch taste and unlike London Dry Gin, the flavour is creamier with a fuller flavour. Hern distillers dont change their winning formula for their navy strength bottling; they simply dilute the gin less. -Southside (juice of green lemon, sugar syrup and mint garnish). Wray & Nephew, the best-known brand of white overproof rum is 63% alc./vol.. Product The Plymouth Original Strength brand of gin is 41.2% alcohol by volume (ABV). (I would recommend 1:2 between the gin and the tonic.) Words by Simon Difford Britain boasted the largest and most powerful navy, enabling a small island nation to build a huge empire. Nip of Courage Retail ABN: 38 580 416 992 LIQP770016860 In Australia it is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain alcohol on behalf of, a person under the age of 18 years. The name is an Appellation d'Origine Contrle, meaning that calvados, The long connection between the Royal Navy and rum can be traced back to 1655 and Vice-Admiral William Penn's expedition to the West Indies. There is no doubt that the Royal British Navy has played a key role in both the production, consumption, andprevalence of gin. Pure Alcohol equals:Alcohol by Volume Gay-Lussac (alc./vol.) Unknown to a lot of people is the fact that, while the enlisted men subsisted on rum, Royal Navy officers drank gin. Of the ships they steered and the rations they held dear. In addition, America's national Prohibition lasted from 1920 to 1933 and was supported by groups as diverse as the Christian Women's Temperance Movement and the Ku. The spirit (usually rum) would be mixed with gunpowder and a match put to it. Get 10% off your first order (spirits only), and stay tuned for our latest news and offers! Sounds delicious. The actual term Navy Strength didnt start being officially used until the 1990s, originating as a marketing tactic to sell high-proof gin. Read more about NB Distillery success story. At 57% ABV alcohol ignites, so if gin or rum got into the powder, the cannons would still fire. All rights reserved. If gin was spilt on gunpowder it would spoil. Otherwise, there is a rum currently on the market called Pussers that claims to be blended to the original ED&F Man & Co. recipe. In 1740, Admiral Edward Vernon introduced a concoction of watered-down rum mixed with sugar and lime juice. And while it may not represent the style of naval rum itself, it is an outstanding example of the traditional rum of Jamaica, in a form we dont see often enough in the United States. Unlike other overproof spirits that leave a breathless fire on the finish, Haymans lingers with cream and sweet orange. Defining characteristics: Navy. There are many family-run distilleries in Scotland producing high-quality Gin and one company that is leading the way is, . Rum because it was a daily ration for every sailor of rank. Distillers will tell you to try it the same way you would a good scotch: neat with a drop or two of water to open it up. Originally enshrined in naval law, navy strength gin could be stored around gunpowder because, if the liquid spilled, the wet powder would still light. But what the hell is it? The US Navy is currently the most capable navy in the world. We took inspiration from that fact and have created our gin to offer notes of Spanish Sweet Orange and Thai Ginger for a smooth and bright finish. The spirit base of Gin is primarily grain (usually wheat or rye), which results in a light-bodied spirit. Sleeping With The Fishesstaying at Reefworld on the Great Barrier Reef, Where To Watch The Sunset On Hamilton Island, Queensland, Uncork the Extraordinarya world beyond wine-tasting in the Hunter Valley, What Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor? Below are some things to consider when trying to figure out why is it called navy strength. The term proof stems from theBritish Royal Navys proof test. The phrase Navy Strength is used for Gins that are above 57% ABV which gives the Gin a staunch taste and unlike London Dry Gin, the flavour is creamier with a fuller flavour. After the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana Spencer in 1981, and the birth of Prince William in 1982, there was a bit of a mainbrace splicing drought. This post may contain affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site. What mixes well with navy rum? Hern Navy Strength is somehow creamier, with the vanilla rising to the forefront and coating your lips with the numbing liquor like vanilla chapstick. And compound gin is a neutral grain spirit that's been infused with flavors (this is the least common style).. It's free. Stroh 80 Rum. But it wont just burn your insides. Officers however added quinine to their gin, giving it a rosy hue, and so starting the trend of the gin and tonic - and perhaps even the classic pink gin cocktail too. Scotland is well known for its Navy Strength Gins and it is currently the home of some of the finest distilleries in all of the UK, if not the world. This didnt come about as one might first presume through Naval cuts, he says. 4.5 out of 5 stars. Picture: Pixabay. Rations of booze were considered an important facet of maintaining morale on ships. All navy strength gins are bottled at a minimum of 57.1% ABV and are fantastic for cocktails as the gin characteristics can stand up to the other flavours. To be sure, though, the actual rum purchased by the Navy for rationing to sailors was of a very specific style. #BagThisBundle Win a bundle from D Mhle Distillery, New Arrival of the Week: Ardray Blended Scotch Whisky, Theres a rum for that: eight delicious ways with rum, Bankhall Single Malt Cask Strength First Release review, Whisky of the Week: The Glenrothes 12 Year Old, Ten great American whiskeys to celebrate the 4th July with, The Balvenie names successor to David C. Stewart MBE, Master of Malt Dram Club - September 2018. Here are 7 of our favourite navy strength gins and what they taste like. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. All rights reserved. July 10, 2019 The story behind what we know today as navy strength gin began during the first 'gin boom' in the 18th century. Start by using the same amount of tonic that you would normally do. Get the inside scoop on the latest & greatest gin releases in our daily newsletter. So lets have a closer look at the history, characteristics and serving suggestions of navy strength gin, and discover why its a must-try for any gin-thusiast. Alright, what the hell do we mean when we say navy strength? When you think of overproof gin, you may imagine a normal gin dialed up to 11. Are you ready to set sail on a high-proof adventure? That particular reason always sounded a little bit tenuous to me, but there is perhaps some truth in it somewhere along the line, he says. And why have we, over the past few years, seen an uptick in maritime-casted potables? As a navy-strength gin, it is bottled at 57.2% ABV (100 British Proof). Navy strength is a relatively new term. Though the juniper does creep in more, earthy spices like coriander and cardamom are turned up too. So, grab a bottle of Navy Strength gin and have fun mixing it to your hearts content! NB Distillery is not just known for their Navy Strength Gin, they have a range of different Gins that cater for every taste palette on the market. In their portfolio, they have a very popular Classic 42% ABV London Dry Gin which has been recognised as the best London Dry Gin in the world. Sign up for InsideHook to get our best content delivered to your inbox every weekday. Today, computerised warfare has dramatically reduced onboard liquor consumption but it remains common to see brands of rum and gin labelled "Navy Strength". -Gimlet (gin, green lemon juice and simple syrup). If it had been tampered with, it wouldnt. Being on vacation I decided to ball out and get a drink made with it. Best warming navy strength gin New York Distilling Co uses wild-flower honey from upstate New York in this juniper-forward gin, which is characterised by warming spice and earthy orange notes. Well, popular until he did away with the ration; I presume less popular thereafter. Theyre also the wholesaler to many bars and bottle shops around the country, so this is place to get your gin goodies! As opposed to most traditional gins, which add botanicals and spices before distillation, Ableforths makes their Bathtub Gin by infusing these flavors into the spirit after it undergoes distillation, making it an infused gin. The spices are easily accessible on both the nose and palate, though a tad less nuanced than with traditional distillation. The higher alcohol content will make for a stronger Dry Martini. -Gin & Tonic (good quality tonic, tonic syrup, soda, ice, squeeze of green lemon). 10. 1 bar, 2 restaurants, 14 years and a million bucks, Anther Distillerys Goddess Strength Gin 58%ABV, Naught Distillerys Overproof Gin 57.4%ABV, Karu Distillerys Lightning Gin 57.5%ABV, Wolf Lane Distillerys Navy Strength Gin 58%ABV, Hold Fast Distillerys Man O War Gin 58%ABV, Eumundi Distillerys Folktale Navy Strength Gin 57.1%ABV, Tantalising, Refreshing, Delicious3 Aussie Chardonnays For Late Summer, Inner West finds Goblin Cafe, Summer Hill. At one time, each Navy ship departing from Plymouth Harbour was said to take on board 200 cases of gin, says Burger. You'll usually find gin at 40% up to the mid-40s. Nowadays the term navy strength refers to spirits, usually gin or rum that are bottled at 57% abv. It is called Navy Strength because it is bottled at 57% alcohol by volume, the traditional strength required by the British Royal Navy. Find out more about NB Distillerys range of Gins and other spirits. Heres what we discovered, It might not be mentioned as frequently as rum or brandy, but its there. Whatever did they do with the drunken sailor? To make matters more complicated, the Americandefinition of proof is very different. And so it became known as Navy Strength. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The mock-ceremony ended in a hula dance and a 21-gun salute. Navy strength gin is a formidable spirit. For a sampling of what the Navy Strength gin category has to offer, we recommend trying Green Hat Navy Strength Gin, Perrys Tot Navy Strength Gin,Plymouth Navy Strength Gin, Lee Spirits Navy Strength Gin andVigilant District Navy Strength Gin. The Swedes know a thing or two about botanical infused spiritsjust look at dill and caraway-punched, Scandinavian aquavit. If it didnt ignite the gunpowder the merchants were sent packing with no money! Perfect in classic cocktails like. Recently, there has been a revival in the spirit with many different artisan producers creating handcrafted, locally produced Gin. Forward a few years, they have a globally recognised brand that is pioneering spirit making. In the early 19th century, a far more accurate measure was developed, and the Navy chose to set the strength of their alcohol at 54.5% ABV. And awesome. Consequently, 100 degrees proof gin contains 50% alcohol. There are many family-run distilleries in Scotland producing high-quality Gin and one company that is leading the way is NB Distillery. The Secret to Great Cocktails? What Is Old Tom Gin? Edinburgh Navy Strength Cannonball Gin. For answers, we sat down with Dan Smith, general manager of Chicagos Queen Mary,a cocktail bar thats got a thing for old maritime traditions and the drinks behind them. This overproof gin is distilled with native finger limes and fresh ginger in the botanical basket, giving it great power and intensity. Proceed with caution, these gins arent playing around. The biggest difference is that juniper and spicy black pepper are more dominant in the Navy . Along with Plymouth, Haymans is pretty much the standard-bearer for the entire navy strength category. The practice of issuing alcohol rations was abolished in the Royal Navy in 1970. And gin because it was a favorite of naval officers from the Napoleonic Wars and onward. Hamilton Navy Strength Rum is a careful blend of Jamaican and Guyanese rums. The best thing about navy strength gin is its ability to stand up in longer drinks. Previously, the most widely-used method to test the booziness of any given spirit was to take a small sample of it, mix in some gunpowder and then put a flame to it. And so, it became known as 'navy strength'. The practice of issuing alcohol rations in the navy started sometime in the 16th century. What Is Navy Strength Gin And How Do You Drink It? It was coined by the branding consultant John Murphy on behalf of Plymouth Gin in 1993 for something very old what used to be called 100 UK proof spirit. Chemist Navy Strength Gin has its roots in a time when major European maritime cities provided easy access to spices and botanicals. Navy strength is also associated with Navy Rum, where brands like Woods 100 are 57% and also share a common dark, rich characteristic that is reminiscent of the rums carried on board ship in the 19th century. Barrels of gin were called Hollands in reference to Dutch genever, where gin evolved from. Navy Strength gins are perfect for cocktails, especially cocktails with citrus notes, where this type of gin usually stands out more than other cocktails. The officers on the bridge? In a G&T, when gin can sometimes disappear under the tonic, navy strength really holds its own. Our Navy Strength Gin Shortlist, Gin Dinners, Cheese Parties and Boozeless Wine Judging. To this day, brands continue to bottle Navy Strength gin at 57% . Confusingly, rum, or indeed any other spirit, can also be considered "overproof" at pretty much any strength above 50% alc./vol.. e.g. Motivational and inspirational sources to all those parents to enjoy life with their babies, Home FAQ Why Is It Called Navy Strength. After an initial shockwave of piney, resinous juniper coats your palate like a car air freshener, youll find subtler flavors leaping out from beneath the pine needles, like licorice, lime and cinnamon. Needless to say, the man knows a thing or two about strength of the naval sort. The name mezcal originates from the Aztec language and refers to a traditional Mexican spirit made from the Maguey plant. After the high proof drives a truck through your palate, leaving it numb and gasping for flavorful relief, Conniption fills that void with savory cooking spices like Indian coriander, caraway, cardamom and, most clearly, rosemary. Labour backbencher Jim Wellbeloved, who had links to the Navy, opened his argument with the following tirade, What of the command structure? Or even with a single ice cube. These store your preferences such as selecting to view cocktail recipes in ounces rather than millilitres. The two bottlings are completely different. What Drinks Are Good Mixers For Rum? Feel free to talk about the world of mixology and bartending here! This allegedly harks back to a test the Royal Navy did to make sure they were getting proper strength spirits. Navy Strength Gin is having somewhat of a renaissance in recent years and people are choosing it because the flavour is smooth enough to perfectly blend with cocktails and has been satisfying the British for hundreds of years. In the British Navy, gin (and maybe rum) was stored on ships next to the gunpowder. Get InsideHook in your inbox. It was even selected for the Queens 90th birthday celebration and is featured in the celebratory book that was produced. What is navy strength gin and what do you do with it? The Queens Golden Jubilee in 2002, her fleet review in 2005, and her Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012. A spirit with 40% is 70 degreesproof. This is due to the United States system where proof is twice the percentage of alc./vol. . The ships officers? because their taste wont get watered downor potent stirred drinks, a few can even be sipped straight. They were the first ones to coin that term and they really established the category.. Rum and gin were staples on-board Royal Navy ships. Master Distiller, Jared Brown has taken the juniper berry and made it the heart and soul of the gin by distilling it 3 ways. Play around until you reach the desired taste. Redistilled gin is a neutral grain spirit that has been distilled a second time. Ableforth's Bathtub Gin is a sleeper hit thatll give you quite the wallop if youre unprepared. It refers to a spirit that is bottled at exactly 57% alcohol by volume. In the early 19th century, a far more accurate measure was developed, and the Navy chose to set the strength of their alcohol at 54.5% ABV. Eso Summerset Lorebooks, Chiang Mai Nature Tour, Articles W