Navy Strength: Holystone Distilling's Navy Strength Gin

The latest distillery to grace the Salt Lake Valley is Holystone Distilling. A craft distillery fit for the new wave of Salt Lake's spirit(ual) renaissance; where co-owner and head distiller Ethan "Chainlink" Miller does things a little differently than we've come to expect.
 At the heart of Holystone's Navy Strength Gin is a 100% wheat spirit, which lends a much smoother profile, and creamy mouthfeel to the spirit. It is also solely flavored via vapor infusion; this then leads to a gin with much more balanced notes and than some of it's contemporaries. But the real kicker here is in the strength, so what's all this about Navy Strength anyway? The term itself isn't all that old, formally coined in 1993 by some marketing execs on behalf of Plymouth Gin; but the origins of this designation go way, way back; let's explore a little.

At home on land, or at sea

Prior to 1816's introduction of the hydrometer, there was no accurate way to determine the exact alcohol content of spirits. The British navy however, had found a simple way to tell if the oh-so-important gin that was part of every man's daily ration was indeed the genuine article. What was this surely ingenious method? Gunpowder. Some savvy sailors discovered that when gin of a certain strength (read 57% today) was mixed with gunpowder, it would still ignite. Gin of lesser potency however, would not. This then led to the term "Gunpowder Proof", and so 57% is known even today, as 100º UK Proof. The Royal Navy then adopted this standard and demanded all Gin(and rum) purchased for rations be 100º UK proof or 57% abv, as this was easily verifiable. After the invention of the hydrometer, they continued to order this "navy strength" as a matter of tradition that carried on well into the 1970's (see Black Tot Day).

Holystone's latest offering continues this tradition with a smooth drinking, delicious gin fit for any cocktail, or on its own. The nose brings notes of juniper, grapefruit rind, orange and rosemary; with just a hint of sage. A sip will tell you the nose is a great introduction. This is a dry gin, but not so dry that it comes across as thin. The flavors of juniper, orange, and grapefruit pith are strong, but not overpoweringly so. As the taste progresses, the more herbal notes of sage and rosemary become the stars of the show. The flavor lingers, and even becomes sweeter for quite a while afterwards, but that's not a bad thing here. Did I mention it's 57% (114 proof)? Because it certainly doesn't drink like it. There is a definite, noticeable warming sensation; but none of the high proof burn that some might expect. All said and done, this is a gin that deserves a spot in your bar. It makes a great centerpiece to a gin martini, and also adds brightness and a boozy character to mixed drinks like the infamous fogcutter. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a bottle.

Spirit Guides Navy Strength Fogcutter

We did some experimentation of our own with this navy strength gin, putting our livers on the line for science. After much tasting, pouring and shaking, we are happy to present the Spirit Guides Navy Strength Fogcutter, in keeping with the maritime theme we thought it was only fitting...

•1.5 oz Holystone Distilling Bosun's Gin
•1.5 oz light rum
•1 oz blackberry brandy
•1 oz orange juice
•2 oz lemon juice
•1/2 oz Orgeat


Mix the above ingredients in a shaker, shake until frosty and pour over crushed ice. Garnish with a splash of grenadine and and an orange twist and enjoy. For extra flair, serve in a fogcutter mug.


As always, Keep The Spirit.


-Steve E.
Spirit Guides Resident Rum Guy & Keeper of Tiki