Wolf Lane Navy Strength Gin

At 116 proofProofThe American measure of alcohol strength: twice the ABV (90 proof = 45% ABV).Glossary, or 58% ABV, Wolf Lane 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 comes from a Far North Queensland distillery on the doorstep of the Pacific Ocean. With the sea so close, the distillery felt it would have been remiss not to make a Navy Strength gin, and it has built a cult following among its regular drinkers. It won its category at the Gin Guide Awards 2023.

Citrus · Floral · Herbal · Navy Strength

Heavy juniperJuniperThe one compulsory botanical: gin must taste predominantly of juniper. Its "berry" is really a small conifer cone, resinous and peppery.Glossary and finger limeFinger limeAn Australian citrus whose pulp forms tiny tart pearls that burst in the mouth.Glossary lead the palate, with the full punch the strength promises. Juniper provides an almost medicinal aromatic base with notes of green pine, and finger lime, a native bush fruit, brings bursts of citrus from its caviar-like pearls. Lavender adds a mild, delicate floral aroma and mint a cooling note with a touch of bitterness. Behind them, fresh grapefruit and macadamia come through, and the gin goes down smoothly for its strength, with the macadamia giving a rounded, nutty texture.

Wolf Lane recommends it to keen gin and tonic drinkers and to those who like to sip their gin over ice. Its own favourite cocktail with it is the Blackberry Buck: 30 ml of gin, 30 ml of blackberry syrup and 30 ml of lemon juice, topped with soda and garnished with fresh mint. The strength also makes it an excellent base for a 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 or a MartiniDry MartiniGin and a little dry vermouth, stirred over ice and served in a well-chilled stemmed glass, with an olive or a twist.Glossary, where it keeps its shape. A few drops of water open the macadamia and grapefruit when it is tasted neat.

For a gin and tonic, pour 4 cl of Navy Strength Gin over clear iceClear iceIce without air bubbles, made by slow, directional freezing. Denser, it melts more slowly and dilutes less.Glossary in a balloon glass, add 10 cl of chilled Thomas Henry Aromatic Tonic Water and stir gently. Add a grapefruit twist and a single mint leaf. The aromatic tonic stands up to the high strength, and the grapefruit and mint echo the gin's own notes.