Ok, that’s not really the ethos behind the new super-strength launch. But it’s a natty fact to know that before spirits are allowed on ships, they must pass the Royal Navy’s ‘proof’ test. The Royal Navy says that gunpowder must be able to combust even if a liquid is accidentally spilled on it. Hence we have navy-strength spirits.
Key facts:
- Cost: RRP £52.99
- ABV: 57%
- Botanicals: 24
Slingsby’s Artisan Navy-Strength Gin certainly packs an alcoholic punch strong enough to cause an explosion of any sort.
The Harrogate-based London Dry Gin producer launched its first gin in 2015 and has now introduced its latest navy variant, which combines 24 botanicals grown in Harrogate’s Rudding Park Hotel Kitchen garden.
Each of the botanicals have been chosen to put Harrogate and its surrounding beauty at the heart of the gin.
We tried the punchy number in all of our favourites, including with a simple light tonic, as part of a Negroni and in a mighty gin Martini.
The booze, which comes in a black bottle, has a price tag of £52.99 and can be bought straight from Slingsby, however, The Morning Advertiser has been told that operators should get in touch with Slingsby before making a purchase.
Operator's view:
Manager of the Toronto Lodge, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, Giles Nightingale:
"Gin is very popular and I think this could do well in most pubs for that reason. If I was serving it, I would first have to ask the customer if they were going to be driving because one shot would put them over the limit.
To serve, I’d ask the customer to try it over ice so they can taste all of the flavours, before adding the tonic a bit by bit until you get the right flavour. A lot of pubs tend to pour something straight in, but you don’t get to taste all of the flavours that way.
I think Slingsby’s Navy Strength Gin would also lend itself well to cocktails. Like all high-ABV spirits, they work well in mixed drinks and you can lower the amount you use because it’s so strong."
OR YOU COULD TRY: Bathtub Navy Strength Gin
Another punch-packing gin that’s bursting with botanicals and at a more accessible price point of £39.95.
One varietal or another of Bathtub gin is on the back bar of any pub that considers itself as having an out of the ordinary offer.
Maker Professor Cornelius Ampleforth suggests either sipping this one straight or over ice, which is possible because of cold compounded botanicals process.
The high ABV is apparent on the nose, but is muted by the punchy citrus notes, which then translates to a complex palate of spice on the palate.
Top notes include cinnamon and cardamom, which are supported by coriander and clove.
BEST OF THE REST:
- Free Spirit's softies
Premium, soft and adult. Free Spirits pulling out all of the buzz words for its recently-launched range of soft drinks.
The drinks, which come in blood orange, lemon & yuzu, spiced tomato, apple mint & lime, and watermelon & peach, are being backed by a £400,000 marketing campaign. Operators are being advised to sell the drinks for £2.95 or more.
They can be served on their own in a long glass with ice or mixed with spirits – spiced tomato with vodka or gin.
- Booze-free St Peter's
The growing alcohol-free segment has gained a new friend from St Peter’s Brewery in the guise of its Without Alcohol-Free Beer.
From the off your nose is smacked by deep malty smells, which then carries on to the palate. Other than being non-alcoholic, St Peter’s is pushing the brew’s low calorie credentials, boasting just 153 calories per unit.
- Stray Dog
Moorhouse has paired with musicians New Order to create its new 4.2% ABV Stray Dog premium golden ale.
The new brew has hints of citrus and lychee, which are balanced by a subtle bitterness. Stray Dog is brewed using American Cascade, Centennial and Wilamette hops, as well as English Maris Otter Malt.
It’s aimed at the traditional ale drinkers as well as those who enjoy craft.