Henstone Navy Gin reaches 57.3% ABV and adds hops and the distillery's own barley spirit to a blend of traditional gin botanicals. Those two production details give the bottle more than simple alcoholic strength: they connect its robust profile to Henstone's wider work with grain and brewing ingredients.

The nose is concentrated but not blunt. Juniper and dry herbs appear first, followed by a green, faintly bitter hop note. Barley spirit contributes weight and a subtle cereal softness beneath the botanicals, giving the aroma a broader base than a conventional high-proof London Dry.

On the palate, the strength brings warmth, texture and a long botanical release. Dilution opens citrus and spice while preserving the pine-like centre. Hops lend a dry, savoury edge to the finish, and the barley element rounds the middle without making the gin sweet.

The bottle has won its high-ABV category in several editions of The Gin Guide Awards, including 2023, 2024 and 2025. These results reflect a recipe that uses its proof constructively: the alcohol carries flavour through tonic and ice instead of serving as a challenge in itself.

Henstone suggests a pink gin with Angostura or a tonic serve with pink grapefruit. Mediterranean tonic and a grapefruit wedge make the most transparent long drink. Use abundant ice, allow a little dilution and keep the fruit to a single restrained piece. The grapefruit supplies acidity and aromatic bitterness, two useful counterpoints to the gin's weight and elevated alcoholic strength.