“The heat from the spirit is balanced very well with the botanicals, offering a warming, elegant spirit that stands well on it’s own.
An excellent example of how to present a Navy Strength gin in a very intelligent and accomplished way.”
“Excellent cocktails gin... and a good winter sipper...Subdued nose, concealing good juniper characters on the palate... ”
Tasting notes of Summerleas Navy Gin
This non-chill filtered gin is full of juniper oils and as such will cloud when chilled – it is a natural result of big, bold flavours!
What is the history of our Navy Gin?
Summerleas Navy Gin is a tribute to the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, the first European to land on the shores of Tasmania in 1642.
Gin’s prevalence around the world is attributed to sailors setting foot in new towns and on new continents and discovering new and exotic spices during their voyages.
The British Navy was an important buyer of gin but the quality produced varied from city to city, and it was often suspected that the spirit had been overly watered down.
Prior to 1816, there was no accurate way to measure the alcoholic strength of a spirit so to test the alcohol, it is reputed that a mixture of gunpowder and spirit was lit. If it burned with a clear flame this was ‘proof’ that the spirit was of sufficient standard and would be accepted. A failure to light or a smoky flame were signs that the spirit was below the required strength and would be rejected.
To pass this test when creating gins for the British Navy, distillers supplied it at a strength of 57.5% ABV or higher. In modern times, gin bottled at 57% ABV or above is known as ‘Navy Strength’.
Our Navy Strength Gin is an exceptional, perfectly balanced Gin, made for today’s explorers and those with an adventurous spirit.
Our top cocktail recipes for Summerleas Navy Gin
Summerleas Navy Gin is best served neat and enjoyed as you would a cask-strength single malt. That’s how we drink it! Our Navy Gin also makes the perfect base for your cocktail of choice and makes a great Martini.
Check out our recipe page for our go-to Navy Gin Cocktails:
Navy Strength Gin Martini
In his review of our Navy Strength Gin, the Martini Whisperer shared a wonderful version of a Navy Strength Gin martini where “the complexity of the gin really opened up making for a cracking cocktail”. Get the recipe for this martini.
Some frequently asked questions about our Navy Gin
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Navy Strength refers to the gin needing to have an ABV of more than 57%
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We love to enjoy it neat over ice, like a cask strength single malt.
Otherwise, it’s perfect in a martini or in any gin cocktail of your choice.
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After 1816 all gin supplied to the British Navy needed to have an ABV of more than 57% to pass the gunpowder test - meaning it needed to burn with a clear flame, indicating that it hadn’t been watered down.
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Absolutely! We deliver all of our spirits all over Australia. Simply purchase it and we’ll send it straight to your door.
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Absolutely! It’s full flavours can be appreciated in a crisp martini, or you can even sip it straight up.
Found a new way to enjoy it? Let us know.