Best Navy Strength Gins To Buy 2023

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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 18^th 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)

Ableforth's Bathtub gin navy strength

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

Available from The Dyfi Distillery (£47.95)

A bottle of navy strength navigation gin

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.

Portobello Road Navy Strength Gin

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.

Hayman’s Navy Strength Royal Dock Gin

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.

Plymouth Gin Navy Strength

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.

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)