Plymouth Navy Strength Gin
Plymouth Navy Strength Gin is the same Plymouth recipe — seven botanicals from the Black Friars Distillery — bottled at full naval intensity: 57% ABV (100 English proof) in 750mL. "Navy strength" is the historic Royal Navy standard: gin strong enough that if it leaked onto the ship's gunpowder, the powder would still ignite. Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 57% (100° English proof) — 750mL; same recipe as Plymouth Original, undiluted
- Botanicals: seven, led by juniper with sweet orange peel as the main secondary
- Origin: Black Friars Distillery, Plymouth, Devon, England — oldest working gin distillery in the UK
- History: Royal Navy "commissioning kit" gin; every new ship carried barrels of Plymouth
- Character: more intense and flavorful than the 41.2% Original
Gunpowder-Proof Gin
The story is legendary enough to be true: sailors were partly paid in gin, merchants were suspected of watering it, and the gunpowder test became the proof. At 57% ABV, the higher alcohol carries the botanicals harder — the earthy Plymouth character (rooty botanicals, sweet orange peel, a less-dry profile than London Dry) arrives more intense and more flavorful, exactly as the brand intended when it launched Navy Strength in 1998. For nearly 200 years, Royal Navy ships departing Plymouth carried this style aboard. Explore more from Plymouth Gin or browse gin.
Tasting Notes
Juniper-forward with sweet orange peel and earthy root botanicals; the higher proof intensifies everything — bolder juniper, deeper spice, a richer mouthfeel; long, warm, botanical finish.
How to Enjoy
Built for cocktails that need to stand up: Martinis, Negronis, and Gimlets gain structure and presence. It also holds its own in a G&T where standard gin would fade into the tonic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "navy strength" mean?
57% ABV (100 English proof) — the traditional Royal Navy strength, strong enough to still ignite gunpowder if spilled on it.
Is Plymouth Navy Strength the same gin as regular Plymouth?
Same recipe and botanicals — just bottled at full 57% intensity instead of the Original's 41.2%.
Why is Plymouth gin historically important?
Its protected geographical indication and 200+ years at Black Friars made it the Royal Navy's gin — and a favorite of cocktail legends from the Savoy era.
Full naval intensity — order Plymouth Navy Strength Gin online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.