Navy Strength Gin

Latest revision as of 14:45, 26 September 2012

Navy Strength Gin is gin that is bottled at 100° British Proof or 57%ABV (although, technically, 100° proof is actually equivalent to 57.15%ABV). Gins bottled below 57%ABV or above 58%ABV are not covered by this definition. Gins exceeding 58%ABV in strength are simply high-strength gin.

[edit] Origins

Navy strength gin evolved from the idea of "proof spirits", a term which originated in the 18th Century. At this time, British sailors were given rations of rum; to ensure that the rum had not been watered down, it was "proved" by dousing gunpowder in it, then tested to see if the gunpowder would ignite. If it did not, then the rum contained too much water and was considered to be "under proof".

A "proof spirit" is one with a gravity of 12/13 that of water, or 923kg/m³, and equivalent to 57.15% ABV.

Although later the rum was issued at an average strength of 54.5%ABV the Navy Strength Gin was issued at 100 proof.

[edit] List of Navy Strength Gins

• Plymouth Navy (UK)
• Pimlico (UK)
• Leopolds Navy (USA)
• FEW Standard Issue (USA)
• Royal Dock (UK)
• Perry's Tot (USA)
• Bathtub Gin Navy Strength (UK)

SunLiquor of Seattle make a "Navy Strength" Gun Club Gin that is bottled at 50%ABV, but the lower proof does not usually qualify it to be a Navy Strength Gin.