Ableforth’s Bathtub Gin Navy-Strength

Bathtub Gin takes its name from Prohibition, when scarce, often dubious spirit was steeped at home with juniper and spice to make it drinkable. Ableforth's reclaims the idea with rather better materials, and this navy-strength bottling is its big brother: the same botanical bill as the original, but cold-compounded and bottled at a forceful 57% so every aroma arrives turned up. It took gold at the International Wine & Spirits Competition in 2017.

The nose is fruity with juniper and ripe apple, then a drift of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. The palate is intense, full of warm Christmas-spice nuance lifted by bright citrus, closing long and spicy. That navy strength stands up beautifully in a robust G&T with a cinnamon stick, or carries a Negroni with real authority.