‘Packs a Real Punch’: Shakespeare Distillery Pays Homage to Historic Maritime Battles With 57% ABV Navy Strength Gin
(Photo: Shakespeare Distillery)
The spirit of swashbuckling is alive and well in Shakespeare Distillery’s new blisteringly high-ABV gin release.
The independent producer — based in Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of playwright William Shakespeare — is taking another plunge into history with 1588 Gin. Inspired by the year that English naval forces clashed with the Spanish Armada, the limited-edition release has fittingly been bottled at navy strength (114-proof).
So far as flavor, ingredients were inspired by fruits and spices commonly carried on 16th-century trade routes. The spirit combines orange and currants alongside distinct notes of cinnamon, ginger, rosemary, coriander, allspice and angelica.
“We’re delighted to launch our 1588 Gin. Here at Shakespeare Distillery, we wanted to craft a really juniper-forward gin, full of flavor. At 57% this Navy Strength Gin boasts a wonderful fruity and robust finish that packs a real punch. It seemed apt to name it after the year of one the most legendary naval triumphs of the Shakespearean era!” said distillery director Simon Picken.
Founded in 2015 by Picken and Peter Monks, Shakespeare Distillery has carved out a niche with cheeky, historically-inspired spirits releases. In February, the brand released a Mother’s Ruin Gin inspired by William Hogarth’s infamous “Gin Lane” print, a depiction of alcoholic squalor on the streets of 18th-century London. Prior to that, the distillery released Judith’s Premium Pink Gin, a hibiscus and raspberry blend named after Shakespeare’s daughter.
William Hogarth’s “Gin Lane,” 1751. (Photo: Research Gate)
If you’d like to check out the distillery’s latest drop, 1588 Gin is currently available online at £42 for a 50cl bottle. Check out the product here.
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