Helsinki Sailor's Gin

At 57.2% ABV, Helsinki Sailor's Gin is the 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 member of The Helsinki Distilling Company's gin range. It shares the nine botanicals of Helsinki Dry GinDry ginGin with no perceptible sweetness: in the European Union, the word "dry" allows at most 0.1 g of sugar per litre.GlossarySee Dry gin gins, but the distillery adjusts their proportions for the higher strength. The blue label refers to Suomen Joutsen, the Finnish sailing ship whose long voyages inspired the gin's maritime story.

Citrus · Spicy · Navy Strength

Balkan juniper, Finnish lingonberry and Mediterranean lemon and Seville orange peel lead the recipe. Fennel, coriander, orris, angelicaAngelicaThe root of a tall umbellifer, earthy and musky. After juniper and coriander it is the most common botanical: it binds the aromas and holds the finish.Glossary and rose petals complete it. Juniper and citrus form a potent bouquet, while lingonberry and spice give the palate its breadth. The change in proportion, not a separate list of ingredients, distinguishes it from the Dry Gin.

The nose carries a clear juniper presence and bright citrus. On the palate, the high strength gives those notes concentration, while lingonberry brings a tart fruit dimension and the roots, fennel and coriander hold the finish. The botanicals remain distinct rather than disappearing behind the alcohol. A little water or tonic opens the aroma and makes the citrus easier to follow.

Muteman Tonic Water with a slice of orange suits this gin and tonic; a Pink GinPink ginToday, a gin flavoured and tinted pink (red fruit, rhubarb…). Originally, plain gin with a few dashes of Angostura bitters.Glossary cocktail is another natural match for its navy-strength style. For a readily available alternative, Fever-Tree Indian Tonic WaterIndian tonicThe classic tonic: sparkling water, bitter quinine and sugar. The name recalls colonial India, where quinine warded off malaria.Glossary keeps the drink crisp while the orange garnish echoes the distillery's suggestion.

For the long drink, fill a large balloon glassCopa glassA large stemmed balloon glass, popularised by the Spanish gin and tonic: it stays cold for longer and gathers the aromas above the drink.Glossary with clear ice, pour 5 cl, add 10 cl Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water and finish with an orange slice and a narrow lime peel. Add both citrus garnishes to the drink. Stir lightly; at this strength the gin remains present even after dilution. For a shorter serve, the producer's Pink Gin suggestion can be followed with a small measure of bitters, served cold and without a large garnish.