Following the introduction of gin to Britain in the late 16th. and early 17th. century it quickly became a staple for the members of the Royal British Navy.

Rations of gin were considered an important facet of maintaining a high morale onboard the British navy ships. To ensure that the gin supplied to the Navy were up to the requested quality level, and not over-diluted with water naval staff would perform a “Proof Test”. This involved soaking gunpowder with the gin and lighting it on fire. If the Gunpowder and gin blend did not ignite, then it meant that the gin was not up to the required alcohol level, and therefore below Navy Strength.

Even though there is a long historic tradition between the Navy and its use of gin onboard the fleet’s ships, then the actual tern “Navy Strength” was not introduced officially until in the 1990’s originating as a marketing gimmick to commercialize high-proof gin. 

Navy Strength is celebrated for its potent flavor, making it as an excellent choice for complex cocktails.

According to common practice Navy Strength gin must have an alcohol strength of minimum 57 % by volume.

Bond Street Royal Navy Strength Gin is the super-charged version of our Classic London Dry Gin. On the nose you will find rich and aromatic notes of Juniper, combined with a zest of lime. On the palate the extra 57 % alcohol level amplifies the flavors, with an intensely botanic touch of Juniper, with a slightly peppery and Savoury like edge, finished with a smooth and round creamy mouthfeel.