Plymouth Gin was one of The Gin is In’s earliest 5 Star Gin Reviews. As part of the 50 States of Gin tasting, we had a Navy Strength Gin tasting where we compared some of the big names in the industry to some of the new offerings from U.S. microdistilleries. Plymouth is the five hundred pound gorilla. One of the best gins out there with one of the most storied pasts, and this gin whose Navy Strength gin is perhaps most synonymous with the term Navy Strength Gin. At 57%, its heated and intense. But this shouldn’t come as a surprise.
How does Plymouth’s Navy Strength Gin stand up to the lofty standards set by its forebearers?
Tasting
Q. Aaron, does it taste significantly different than the regular Plymouth Gin?
A. The strength. No, rather, the lack of dilution. It emphasizes different notes. (drinks gin) Really, while the mainline gin you kind of feel this balance. (drinks gin) Here the citrus seems rather dominating. The juniper comes in on the finish.
Q. Does the 57% affects its drinkability?
A. As I’m drinking it right now. Neat. A little bit, honestly, I’d be hesitant to recommend it to someone neat. But you’re not going to be drinking it neat, right?
Q. Probably not, so back to the taste, what can you tell me about the nose?
A. I’m glad you asked. Citrusy, hot, with a bit of juniper. A little bit like orange and lemon candy. (pauses) (drinks gin)
Q. And what if you dilute the gin with a bit of water?
A. It does begin to take on a bit of that classic Plymouth flavor. I don’t have the regular Plymouth to taste this side by side, but I will say that off the top of my head. And the [unintelligible] times I’ve had Plymouth I’d say they’re pretty similar.
Distiller: Plymouth | ABV: 57% | Price: €8
