Product Launch - UK: Hayman Distillers' Royal Dock Navy Strength Gin

Hayman Distillers' Royal Dock Navy Strength Gin  

Category - Spirits, gin, 57% abv

Available - Released in the US in May, followed by the UK and other European markets from this month

Location - US, UK, Germany and Denmark

Price - SRP GBP25 (US$40) per 70cl bottle, also available in 75cl bottles

Distribution - US, Haus Alpenz; UK, Love Drinks

UK-based Hayman Distillers is expanding the launch of its 57% abv gin into Europe to target growing demand from bartenders for higher-strength spirits.

Royal Dock Navy Strength Gin will enter the UK, Germany and Denmark from this month, the family-run distiller said late last week. It was released in the US in May.

“For several years, we have had a number of requests from the US for a navy-strength gin,” a company spokesperson told just-drinks. “With the increase of the cocktail culture, the demand for this style has grown. From our family archives we know we used to supply Senior Service Navy Strength Gin to the British Navy in London. Royal Dock is based on this, but named after the Old Navy base in Deptford, East London.”

Navy-strength gin is typically stronger than regular London gin, at about 57% abv. It is said to be stronger so that a ship's gunpowder could still fire if the gin was accidentally spilt on it.

Last month, Pernod Ricard announced it was launching Plymouth Navy Strength Gin in the US.