The Walter Collective Navy Gin
The Walter Collective Navy Gin is a 114-proof (57% ABV) navy-strength gin distilled in Bend, Oregon by Oregon Spirit Distillers on a German-made Ulrich Kothe hybrid still. A wheat neutral spirit is redistilled with soft Tuscan-grown juniper — double the botanical charge of the standard bottling — plus cassia, cardamom, and grapefruit peel. Founded in 2015 by Matt Melaik and named for his grandfather, WWII veteran Walter J. Bade, the 57% strength honors both his service and the Royal Navy gunpowder test. Big, bold, and unapologetic — order The Walter Collective Navy Gin online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 57% (114 proof — navy strength)
- Size: 750mL
- Botanicals: Double Tuscan juniper, cassia, cardamom, grapefruit peel
- Origin: Bend, Oregon — distilled by Oregon Spirit Distillers
- Still: German-made Ulrich Kothe hybrid still
- Founder: Matt Melaik, 2015 — named for Walter J. Bade
Why 114 Proof
"Navy strength" isn't marketing — it's the 57% ABV at which gunpowder still ignites, the Royal Navy's historic proof test for a ship's gin ration. The Walter Collective leans into it: more spirit, more botanicals, more texture. The Tuscan-grown juniper the brand insists on is deliberately soft — no harsh pine — so even at full navy strength the gin reads aromatic and warm rather than aggressive. Pair it with its gentler sibling, the 90-proof standard bottling, or explore the gin collection and the full Walter Collective range.
Tasting Notes
Aromatic fresh pine rises above bright citrus and warm spice; the palate is rich and viscous with big botanical flavor — bold, smooth Tuscan juniper and warm cardamom — and a lingering, sweetly spiced finish (brand copy).
How to Enjoy
This is cocktail gin built for dilution: a Navy-strength Martini or a Gimlet where the extra proof carries the drink. If sipping, a single cube tames the heat without losing the botanicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is navy-strength gin?
Gin bottled at 57% ABV (114 proof) — the historic strength at which gunpowder still ignites, the Royal Navy's proof test.
How is it different from the regular Walter Collective Gin?
The standard bottling is 90 proof (45% ABV); the Navy carries the same botanicals at a doubled juniper charge and 114 proof.
Where is The Walter Collective made?
Distilled in Bend, Oregon by Oregon Spirit Distillers, founded 2015 by Matt Melaik.
Bold gin drinkers: grab The Walter Collective Navy Gin online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA — shipped fast to your door.