Three separate distillations lie behind Southwick's Navy Strength Gin, made by Veritable Distillery in Stonington, Connecticut. It follows the same fractional method as the standard Southwick's, but on a cane spirit base and at 57% ABV, or 114 proof.

Each batch has its own job. Juniper is macerated and distilled alone. A base-note maceration of cinnamon, angelica root and licorice root forms the second run, while green cardamom, allspice and dried orange and lemon peel are vapour-infused for the top notes. The three distillates are then blended, which lets the distillery adjust roots, spice and citrus separately instead of fixing everything in one pot.

The aroma brings juicy juniper berries, warm spice, a sweet earthy backbone and light citrus. On the palate the distillery finds resinous, piney juniper with a note of blackberry, shifting spices and a dry base broken by bursts of citrus. No blackberry appears in the recipe, so that impression comes from the botanicals themselves. Allspice, whose scent recalls clove, cinnamon and nutmeg at once, deepens that warmth, while cinnamon and licorice give the finish its length and cardamom keeps it fresh.

The gin reached stores in Connecticut and Rhode Island from June 2026, and it has already earned a Bronze from The Gin Guide Awards 2026, in their High ABV Gin category. Navy strength stands up well to a long drink: an Indian tonic keeps the spice in focus, a wide piece of orange peel matches the top notes and a couple of lightly crushed green cardamom pods repeat the vapour-infused layer. At this strength, the size of the ice matters: large cubes melt slowly and let the citrus open before the roots and cinnamon take over again.

For a stirred drink, the high proof also keeps a Martini firm, with juniper and cardamom showing clearly through the vermouth.