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8 best navy strength gins to try
- Hannah Guinness
Published: May 16, 2023 at 11:50 AM
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Want a gin that’s perfect for cocktails? Supercharged navy strength gins are just the ticket. From saline spirits to boldly spiced numbers, here’s our pick of the best
Looking for navy strength gins? Try our pick, and use them to make our best gin cocktails.
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Want to discover more unique gins? Try our best gins, Scottish gins, flavoured gins and British gins, or travel the world from your home with our unusual international gins. For a sunny boost to your G&T, check out our round up of citrus gins.
What is navy strength gin?
Navy strength is the term for a gin that’s at least 57% ABV. The history of this style stretches back to the 18th century, when gin was stored on British Navy ships next to the gunpowder. If the gin spilt and got into the gunpowder, then the higher proof would ensure that the gunpowder still exploded.
Today, navy strength gins are enjoying a resurgence in popularity. The extra alcohol amplifies the flavours of the spirit, making them a great choice for cocktails. They also tend to have a more rounded, creamier mouthfeel. Intrigued? Here are a few of our favourites.
Best navy strength gins at a glance
- Best spicy navy strength gin: Pickering’s Navy Strength Gin, £40
- Best aromatic gin: Ableforth's Bathtub Gin Navy-Strength, £37.19
- Best herbaceous navy strength gin: The Dyfi Distillery Navigation Gin, £47.95
- Best navy strength gin for a martini: Portobello Road Navy Strength Gin, £26.50
- Best citrussy navy strength gin: Hayman's Royal Dock Gin, £32.95
- Best classic navy strength gin: Plymouth Gin Navy Strength, £37.01
- Best warming navy strength gin: Perry's Tot Navy Strength Gin, £37.99
- Strongest navy strength gin: Black Powder Flintlock Navy Strength Gin, £49.95
Best navy strength gins to try 2023
Pickering’s navy strength gin
- Available from Master of Malt (£40), Amazon (£46.15)
Best spicy navy strength gin
We loved the heady aromas of this gin: think soaring, piney juniper; clean lemon peel and a bold, fragrant spiciness, particularly cardamom and anise
Flavour profile: spiced
Botanicals: juniper, angelica, coriander, cardamom, fennel, anise, lemon, lime and cloves
Perfect pairing: the spiciness of this gin would work perfectly in an aromatic negroni
Available from:
Master of Malt (£40)
Amazon (£46.15)
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Ableforth's Bathtub gin navy strength
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Best aromatic gin
If you’re looking for a really aromatic gin, this is just the ticket – a big, bold nose of intense, oily citrus (lemon peel in particular), with juniper underpinned by fragrant cardamom, coriander and clove.
Flavour profile: citrus
Botanicals: juniper, coriander, clove, cinnamon, orange peel and cardamom
Perfect pairing: try in a 50:50 wet martini
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The Dyfi Distillery Navigation Gin
- Available from The Dyfi Distillery (£47.95)
Best herbaceous navy strength gin
Made using foraged coastal botanicals, this barrel-aged, navy-strength spirit from Wales brims with briny, sea breeze aromas and flavours of savoury herbs, juniper and lemon.
Flavour profile: herbaceous
Botanicals: juniper, coastal botanicals and exotic spices
Perfect pairing: Delicious in a dirty martini or a gibson.
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Portobello Road Navy Strength Gin
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Best navy strength gin for a martini
A punchier take on its juniper-forward, citrussy 171 London Dry, the addition of English sea salt gives this smooth spirit a distinct saline character.
Flavour profile: Juniper forward
Botanicals: Sea salt, juniper, coriander seed, angelica, orris, lemon peel, liquorice, nutmeg and cassia bark
Perfect pairing: Try in a dirty martini.
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Hayman’s Navy Strength Royal Dock Gin
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Best citrussy navy strength gin
Hayman’s Royal Dock has an aromatic nose with citrus and floral notes, namely orange blossom wafting out as soon as you begin to pour. The mouthfeel is smooth, but also carries an unrivalled botanical intensity of flavour thanks to the higher strength. It’s a classic of the genre and a must-have gin for lovers of this over-proof style.
Flavour profile: juniper forward
Botanicals: juniper, citrus, coriander
Perfect pairing: tonic and a wedge of lime.
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Plymouth Gin Navy Strength
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Best classic navy strength gin
A classic, deservedly acclaimed navy-strength gin. Rich and aromatic, with juniper, coriander and cardamom notes.
Flavour profile: juniper forward
Botanicals: juniper, coriander seed, orange and lemon peel, angelica, orris, green cardamom.
Perfect pairing: try in a gimlet.
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Perry’s Tot Navy Strength Gin
- Available from Master of Malt (£37.99), The Whisky Exchange (£39.95)
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.
Flavour profile: juniper
Botanicals: juniper, cinnamon, cardamom, lemon, orange and grapefruit peel, star anise and wild-flower honey
Perfect pairing: sparkling water and a wedge of lime.
Available from:
Master of Malt (£37.99)
The Whisky Exchange (£39.95)
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Black Powder Flintlock Navy Strength Gin
- Available from Master of Malt (£49.95)
Strongest navy strength gin
This award-winning, punchy gin (60% ABV!) packs in flavour, with bold, peppery spice and a savoury edge.
Flavour profile: Spiced
Botanicals: coriander, grains of paradise, chamomile, red grapefruit, cassia, juniper, cubeb.
Perfect pairing: Try in a negroni.
Available from:
Master of Malt (£49.95)
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Authors
Hannah GuinnessSenior sub editor and drinks writer
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