The Wrecking Coast Navy Strength Gin

Local scurvy grass joins fresh lemon and lime peel in the nine-botanical recipe for The Wrecking Coast 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. Released in 2018, this 57% gin comes from Wrecking Coast Distillery in Tintagel, Cornwall. The coastal plant recalls the region's seafaring history and its use aboard ships. The distillery's name also draws on the Cornish coast, its shipwrecks and the people known as wreckers. Both the plant and the name tie this high-strength gin to life on the Cornish shore.

Citrus · Spicy · Herbal · Navy Strength

The nose is intense and green, with hints of vanilla and chocolate. On the palate, a rich texture carries a firm juniperJuniperThe one compulsory botanical: gin must taste predominantly of juniper. Its "berry" is really a small conifer cone, resinous and peppery.Glossary character, accompanied by floral notes and a menthol freshness that meets the spice. Scurvy grass adds a peppery taste and a touch of bitterness, while coriander and grains of paradiseGrains of paradiseWest African seeds related to cardamom, also called melegueta pepper: peppery and warm, with a citrus note.Glossary contribute to the spicy impression. Angelica brings an earthy base, orris a soft powdery touch and liquorice a gentle sweetness that rounds out the high strength. The finish is bright, with a clear lift of citrus zest.

For a Long 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, fill a highballHighballA long drink served in a tall, straight glass with plenty of ice: a spirit topped with soda or tonic. The word also names the glass.Glossary with ice, pour in 5 cl gin and 2 cl lime cordialCordialA concentrated syrup of fruit (often lime) and sugar, made to be topped up.Glossary, then top with 8 cl sparkling water and add a lime wheel. The distillery suggests this long drink with sparkling water or lemonade. Here the cordial and garnish echo the gin's citrus notes, while the sparkling water lengthens the drink and gives its robust character room to show. The sweet-sour cordial also softens the spice and the peppery edge, while the ice and water turn a 57% gin into an easy, refreshing long drink for warm days.