At the distillery we recently decided to put one of the great naval spirit myths to the test. The story goes that Royal Navy gunpowder would still ignite even if soaked in high strength gin or rum. This became part of the origin behind “Navy Strength” spirits, where alcohol needed to remain flammable enough to prove its strength and purity aboard ship.
So naturally, we reached for the cannon.
Using our Great Bustard Flight Strength Gin, we carried out a live firing test to see whether the theory genuinely worked. Powder was prepared, the gin introduced, and after plenty of nervous anticipation the fuse was lit across the Wiltshire downs.
The result was immediate. A sharp crack echoed across the landscape as the cannon fired successfully, confirming that high strength spirit really can allow ignition under the right conditions. The test created a huge amount of smoke, noise, laughter, and a renewed respect for just how powerful traditional navy strength spirits truly are.
Great Bustard Flight Strength Gin sits at a bold higher ABV designed to carry flavour with greater intensity. The increased strength lifts the botanicals, extends the finish, and allows richer texture and aroma within cocktails and martinis. Rosehips harvested near the Great Bustard enclosure add bright fruit character and freshness that balance the gin’s structure and power.
While we cannot promise the Royal Navy would approve of our methods, we can confirm one thing. The myth works. Sometimes the best way to understand spirits history is to stop reading about it and light the fuse yourself.
