Leopold Bros Navy Strength Gin
Leopold Bros Navy Strength Gin is the Denver distillery's overproof powerhouse: 57% ABV (114 proof), the historic "navy strength" at which gin was once proven by pouring it on gunpowder. Four botanicals — juniper berries, bergamot orange, coriander, and orris root — are fractionally distilled in hybrid copper pot stills and blended, then bottled uncut at full strength in this 750mL bottle. A Gold medalist at the Beverage Tasting Institute (92 points) and a Good Food Awards winner. Order online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 57% (114 proof) — navy strength
- Size: 750mL; year-round; first released 2012
- Botanicals: 4 — juniper berries, bergamot orange, coriander, orris root (importer's listing)
- Method: Fractional distillation in hybrid copper pot stills; base spirit column-distilled from potato, wheat, floor-malted barley; non-chill filtered
- Distillery: Leopold Bros., Denver, Colorado
- Awards: Silver, San Francisco World Spirits Competition; Gold Medal (92 pts), Beverage Tasting Institute; Winner, Good Food Awards
Proven on Gunpowder
"Navy strength" comes from the British Royal Navy's pre-hydrometer quality test: only gin above roughly 55% ABV would still leave gunpowder flammable if the spirit spilled on it — so high-proof gin earned the navy's seal. Leopold's version honors the tradition with real firepower: the same fractional-distillation craft as the standard gin, bottled at a full 57%. Explore more gin and the full Leopold Bros. range.
Tasting Notes
Concentrated and commanding: juniper and bergamot citrus drive the attack, coriander spice fills the mid-palate, and orris root gives a floral, powdery length. The proof carries flavor, not just heat.
How to Enjoy
A Negroni gin par excellence — the 57% ABV holds its own against Campari and sweet vermouth. Also superb in a Gimlet or a properly diluted Martini; add water to taste rather than drinking it straight at full strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is navy strength gin?
Navy strength is the traditional 57% ABV bottling strength, originating with the British Royal Navy — gin had to be strong enough (above ~55% ABV) that gunpowder would still ignite if spirit spilled on it.
Can you drink navy strength gin neat?
You can, but it's best with water or ice to open it up, or in cocktails where the extra proof keeps the gin's character forward.
What botanicals are in Leopold Bros Navy Strength?
Four, per the US importer: juniper berries, bergamot orange, coriander, and orris root — each distilled separately and blended.
Bring naval-grade firepower to your bar — order Leopold Bros Navy Strength Gin online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.