Hayman's Royal Dock Gin

Hayman's Royal Dock Gin is a robust navy strengthNavy StrengthGin bottled at 57% ABV or more. Royal Navy lore holds that at this strength, gunpowder soaked in gin would still ignite.GlossarySee Navy Strength gins gin bottled at 57% ABV, with roots in the Hayman family's long gin-distilling history. The style is designed to be bright, firm and highly mixable, with juniper, citrus and coriander at the front and a deeper botanical base of angelica, orris, liquorice, cinnamon, cassia and nutmeg. Royal Dock is not a delicate sipping gin; it is a purposeful, high-strength expression that gives classic cocktails and tonic serves a strong dry backbone.

Citrus · Dry · Spicy

The nose opens with clear juniperJuniperThe one compulsory botanical: gin must taste predominantly of juniper. Its "berry" is really a small conifer cone, resinous and peppery.Glossary, orange peel, lemon peel and coriander seed, followed by warm spice and a creamy root note from liquorice and orris. The alcohol is present, as expected at navy strength, but the botanical structure keeps it focused.

On the palate, Royal Dock is direct and energetic. Citrus gives lift, coriander adds peppery brightness, angelica brings dryness and liquorice rounds the texture without pushing the gin into sweetness. The spice sits underneath, giving warmth and persistence.

In a gin and tonic, Royal Dock needs plenty of ice and a tonic with enough bitterness to handle its power. A thin dehydrated orange slice is a natural garnish because it supports the citrus and keeps the serve dry. The gin also works well in a Pink GinPink ginToday, a gin flavoured and tinted pink (red fruit, rhubarb…). Originally, plain gin with a few dashes of Angostura bitters.Glossary, GimletGimletGin with lime cordial or sweetened lime juice, served well chilled without ice. It is said to come from the Royal Navy, as a guard against scurvy.Glossary or MartiniDry MartiniGin and a little dry vermouth, stirred over ice and served in a well-chilled stemmed glass, with an olive or a twist.Glossary variation when a bolder base is desired. The finish is long, dry and spicy, with juniper and citrus staying clear through dilutionDilutionThe water added by melting ice. In the right amount it opens the aromas and softens the alcohol; too much flattens the drink.Glossary. It is a confident choice for drinkers who enjoy traditional English gin with real strength and cocktail utility.