Welcome into a quick splash through the spirited world of Navy Strength Gin, a distinctive category that has speaks to the gin industry’s history and shaped its identity.
Here, we embark on a historical journey, uncovering the origins of Navy Strength gin. It is not a term that is legally protected but it’s widely recognised for its robust alcohol content. Talking of which, we’ll go into the intriguing disparity between the concept of Navy Strength in gin and rum, rooted in historical practices of the British Navy and the iconic Sikes hydrometer.
We’ll explore the pivotal role of Plymouth Gin in defining and popularising the term “Navy Strength” (and even coining it). And beyond historical anecdotes, we will also debunk myths and misconceptions surrounding this potent spirit, and go into the artistry in what makes a balanced, flavour-rich Navy Strength gin offering.
All aboard…
“Navy Strength” serves as an indicator of the alcohol content in certain gins and rums.
While this term is not legally protected or officially regulated, it has been broadly accepted that Navy Strength Gin sits at an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 57%, while for Rum, this figure stands at 54.5%.
Unravelling the reason behind this discrepancy takes us on a historical journey. In 1816, Bartholomew Sikes devised an accurate hydrometer, placing 100 proof at slightly over 57% ABV. His innovative scale was incorporated into law in 1818.
However, the British Navy had already been performing their own evaluations to establish the optimal strength for their rum rations. They had settled on (what we know today as) an ABV of 54.5%, thus creating their version of “Navy Strength.”
Numerous historical documents affirm the sale of Rum at required Navy Strength, cementing the 54.5% ABV as an intrinsic part of the rum tradition, as endorsed by the Navy.
Gin, however, tells a different tale to rum.
While we know that vast quantities of gin were sold to the Navy, there’s scant historical documentation specifying the ABV at which it was supplied.
Plymouth Gin, the only brand still in existence from that era, bottles their Plymouth Navy Strength Gin at 57% ABV. This is also marries up with being the logical ABV based on the Sikes hydrometer.
As one of the very few, if not the only higher ABV gins around in the 90’s, this logical combination of Sykes’ “proof” and Plymouth’s commercial bottling was used as the benchmark for Navy Strength as a category.
It may have been a completely different ABV to everyone else historically. It may even be a different ABV than they sold a century ago. We can’t tell you either way. However, the fact remains; Plymouth Navy Strength Gin became the benchmark modern craft offerings have based themselves on.
The use of the term Navy Strength, was heavily influenced by Plymouth Gin too. It’s likely they even coined the term. If not, it was certainly them who in the late 1990’s popularised the term “Navy Strength” through their marketing efforts.
Let’s start by dispelling a common myth…
Ships in the 18th and 19th centuries didn’t store their gin alongside gunpowder. The reason that “If the gin were to accidentally spill, it had to be strong enough that the gunpowder could still light” is just a story. The idea that this issue might arise in the heart of battle is at best comical too. Gin wasn’t sloshing about as the cannons are firing…
The real story is far less charged with urgency and swashbuckling. The Navy had to buy spirits in many different ports. They wanted to ensure that they were buying quality brandy / rum / gin, of a certain strength. Beyond a basic taste assessment, the test they used was to soak gunpowder with the spirit in a little handheld box. They would then light it. If it burned with a good flame, it was “proof” that it had sufficient strength.
In the European Union (EU), the term ‘Navy Strength’ is not yet officially recognised or protected by law. If you’re picking up a bottle marked ‘Navy Strength,’ you can be assured it’s going to pack quite the punch, but there are versions that range from 55% all the way to 63% ABV that can be found, so no uniformity.
The profile of the gins are defined by that robust ABV. But it’s a misconception to believe that this style is all about strength alone.
A great Navy Strength should have a bold and resonant botanical chorus. The botanicals should amplify the spirit’s flavour while balancing the heightened alcohol level. For those curious, there are more tips for how distillers can make a good version in our distiller’s article on Gin Styles.
A classic Gin style worth savouring
From its naval origins to becoming a staple in modern mixology, Navy Strength gin has transcended time. This article demystified the myths and highlighted some of the history behind how the term came about and why it is bottled at such a high ABV.
Now all you need to do is try some in a Gimlet to see why it has such enduring appeal!
