Republic of Fremantle Navy Strength Gin

Honeydew melon and calamansi bring an unexpected fresh fruit side to Republic of Fremantle 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, a limited release bottled at 57% ABV. The Fremantle distillery made it to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Australia II's victory in the America's Cup, and its label art draws on the 26 square signal flags of the nautical alphabet. It is sold in half-litre bottles and built on the distillery's own grape base spirit.

Citrus · Limited Edition · Fruity · Navy Strength

The full botanical list reads juniperJuniperThe one compulsory botanical: gin must taste predominantly of juniper. Its "berry" is really a small conifer cone, resinous and peppery.Glossary, coriander, angelica rootAngelicaThe 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, aniseed, fennel seed, oolong tea, lemon verbena, honeydew melon and calamansi. The gin is rich in juniper, as a Navy Strength should be, but the melon gives a soft, juicy sweetness and calamansi, a small, sour citrus from Southeast Asia, a sharp lime-and-mandarin brightness. Aniseed and fennel seed add a gentle anise warmth, oolong tea a light, toasty depth, and lemon verbena a fresh herbal lift. The grape base, made from scratch by the distillery, rounds the high strength and carries the fruit.

Republic of Fremantle recommends it for a quenching summer drink. At 57%, it keeps its character through ice and mixer, so a measured pour goes a long way, and a few drops of water open the melon and tea notes when tasted neat. It also makes a vivid 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, where lime meets the calamansi, and its link to sailing history fits the Navy Strength style.

For a gin and tonic, pour 4 cl of Navy Strength Gin over ice, add 10 cl of chilled Thomas Henry Grapefruit Tonic Water and stir gently. Garnish with a calamansi wheel and a ribbon of honeydew melon. The two garnishes repeat the fruit of the recipe, and the grapefruit tonic keeps the drink sharp.