Plymouth Navy Strength Gin

Plymouth Navy Strength Gin – 57% ABV Original Navy Strength Gin | Black Friars Distillery

Plymouth Navy Strength Gin is the bold, high-proof expression of one of the world’s most iconic gins — produced exclusively at the Black Friars Distillery in Plymouth, England, the oldest working gin distillery in the United Kingdom. Bottled at 57% ABV (114 proof) — the original “Navy Strength” proof at which gin was issued to officers of the British Royal Navy — this expression delivers the full, unadulterated intensity of Plymouth’s seven-botanical blend at its most powerful and authentic.

The term “Navy Strength” has genuine historical roots in Plymouth: gin stored aboard Royal Navy ships had to be at least 57% ABV so that, if it spilled onto gunpowder, the powder would still ignite. Plymouth, as one of Britain’s most important naval ports, was the natural home of this tradition — and Plymouth Navy Strength is the authentic revival of that heritage. Same seven botanicals as the original Plymouth Gin, same Black Friars Distillery craftsmanship, but with the additional power and intensity that only 57% ABV can deliver.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Bold and intensely aromatic with juniper, citrus peel, warm spice, and a pronounced earthy depth — the Plymouth botanical blend amplified by Navy Strength proof
• Palate: Full-bodied and powerful with concentrated juniper, orange peel, cardamom, and a warm, fiery intensity that rewards dilution — complex and deeply flavorful at 57% ABV
• Finish: Long, warming, and deeply satisfying with lingering juniper, spice, and citrus — the bold, authentic finish of a true Navy Strength gin

Key Highlights

• ✔ 57% ABV (114 proof) — the original Navy Strength proof, historically issued to British Royal Navy officers
• ✔ Same seven botanicals as Plymouth Original — amplified by high-proof intensity
• ✔ From Black Friars Distillery — the UK’s oldest working gin distillery, Plymouth, since 1793
• ✔ Genuine naval heritage — Plymouth was Britain’s most important naval port and the home of Navy Strength gin
• ✔ 750mL bottle — ideal for serious cocktail enthusiasts, collectors, and gifting
• ✔ Available at Del Mesa Liquor with nationwide shipping

How to Enjoy

Plymouth Navy Strength Gin is built for cocktails that demand a bold, high-proof gin backbone. It makes an exceptional Navy Strength Martini (stirred, very cold, with a lemon twist — the extra proof cuts through vermouth beautifully), a Gimlet, or a Negroni where its intensity stands up to the Campari and sweet vermouth. For a classic serve, try it in a G&T with premium tonic, ice, and a slice of lemon — the higher proof means the gin character shines through even with generous tonic. Food pairings: oysters, smoked fish, charcuterie, aged hard cheeses, and spiced nuts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does “Navy Strength” mean?

Navy Strength refers to gin bottled at a minimum of 57% ABV — the proof at which gin was historically issued to officers of the British Royal Navy. At this proof, if gin spilled onto gunpowder stored aboard ship, the powder would still ignite — proving the gin was “of proof.” Plymouth, as one of Britain’s most important naval ports, was the natural home of this tradition, and Plymouth Navy Strength is the authentic revival of that heritage.

How does Navy Strength differ from Plymouth Original?

Plymouth Navy Strength uses the same seven-botanical blend as the original Plymouth Gin but is bottled at 57% ABV rather than the standard 41.2%. The higher proof amplifies the botanical intensity — delivering a bolder, more concentrated gin with greater juniper, spice, and citrus character. It is particularly well-suited to cocktails where a high-proof gin backbone is desired, and rewards dilution with water or tonic to reveal its full complexity.

Where can I buy Plymouth Navy Strength Gin?

You can purchase it online through Del Mesa Liquor with nationwide shipping available.