Southern Strength Gin is a 52% ABV Australian gin from Never Never Distilling Co. built with the distillery's Triple Juniper process. It was named World's Best Classic Gin in 2019 and uses the same nine-botanical framework as Triple Juniper Gin, but with adjusted proportions that place lemon peel, coriander seed and angelica root more firmly in the foreground. The 500 mL bottling is made for classic cocktails and for drinkers who want a high-proof gin with a clear juniper core.

Its production gives juniper three roles: berries steep in Australian wheat spirit for 24 hours, the steep and fresh juniper go into the still, and a final juniper addition in the vapour basket captures a fresher floral note. Coriander seed, angelica root, orris root, lemon peel, lime peel, liquorice root, cinnamon and Australian pepper berry complete the botanical frame.

The nose is piney and fragrant, mixing bright citrus with earthy angelica and lifted coriander. The palate is oily, viscous and immediately savoury, yet juniper remains dominant. Lemon brings a fresher attack while the roots and spice give depth. Late in the finish, pepper berry and cinnamon introduce warmth without taking the gin away from its dry, structured character.

Use 5 cl of Southern Strength Gin with 15 cl of Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water over large clear ice. A single lemon peel twist is sufficient. This ratio keeps the higher strength in balance and lets the tonic sharpen the citrus and juniper rather than dilute the gin into a generic long drink. Stir only once or twice to keep the effervescence intact.

It is equally at home in a dry martini or a Negroni, where its concentration gives the gin a defined voice alongside other strong ingredients. For a first tasting, begin with a small chilled measure and return to the glass after a few minutes to follow the movement from citrus and pine to angelica, pepper and cinnamon.