Navy Strength Gin

Navy Strength Gin is bottled at 100° British Proof or 57%ABV (although technically 100° proof actually equals is 57.15%ABV. Gin bottled below 57%ABV or above 58%ABV are not considered Navy Strength but simply high-strength gin.

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

List of Navy Strength Gins

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

SunLiquor of Seattle make a "Navy Strength" Gun Club Gin bottled at 50%ABV. The lower proof does not usually qualify it for Navy Strength Gin status.