Following the successful launch of Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin, Four Pillars distillery in Australia’s Yarra Valley has released Four Pillars Navy Strength Gin.
Four Pillars Navy Strength Gin
The navy strength gin is made using similar methods to the Rare Dry Gin but with halving the amount of fresh oranges and replacing it with native finger limes from Byron Bay. Fresh ginger is also added to augment the spice along with fresh turmeric for a touch of earthiness.
Navy strength gin derives its name from the Royal Navy days in the 18th century when gin rations were kept on board naval ships. The gin was often stored near the gunpowder, and if the spirit had spilled onto it and it failed to light, it was deemed to be inferior and diluted gin and not at the minimum 114 proof of 57% ABV.
Four Pillars Navy Strength Gin is bottled at 58.8 % ABV and unlike its older sibling, it has pronounced aromas of juniper and citrus lime, with a little nose burn from the ABV. On the palate, it explodes with a zesty and fresh flavour of citrus and juniper, Asian spice and earthiness on the finish. If you find the Rare Dry Gin lacking in juniper punch and a little on the sweeter side, you’ll enjoy this Navy Strength Gin. Sip it neat to appreciate the flavours before using it in cocktails.
Four Pillars Navy Strength Gin goes well in a Gimlet, South Side Fizz and simply in a Gin and Tonic garnished with shavings of ginger. It goes equally well in a a dry Dirty Martini, served very chilled, with a whisper of vermouth, a touch of olive brine and three Sicilian olives.
This article was originally published on February 20, 2015 on our sister website Gourmantic.
