NELSON’S GIN - A LOCALLY SOURCED TIPPLE

The Dog and Partridge was amongst the first pubs to stock the rather wonderful range of Nelson’s artisan gins. These are distilled just up the road from us in Uttoxeter, so you can’t get more locally sourced than that!

The concept for their range of gins came from one man; Neil Harrison, who had both the vision and the palate required to create an exceptional range of gins. Previously working as a chef, Neil understood that a memorable tasting experience depended on producing a gin with an inspiring balance of flavours, using the best combinations of botanical ingredients from around the world.

We stock their full range of gins, including a Navy Strength at 57%. Infused with botanicals from across the globe, including lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves from Thailand, vanilla from Madagascar and cinnamon from Sri Lanka, this gin has a wonderfully smooth, taste with a fresh, clean finish.

So why is it called ‘Navy Strength’?

THE HISTORY OF NAVY STRENGTH GIN

It’s a well-known fact that sailors in the navy were allocated a daily ration of rum, although this tradition was withdrawn by the Royal Navy on

31 July 1970, a date known as ‘Black Tot Day’.

However, a lesser known fact is that whilst enlisted men subsisted on rum, the officers drank strong gin.

Gin was thought to be a panacea to many things encountered by those on the high seas. The gimlet – a simple drink made up of gin to fortify and Roses lime cordial to immunise, was invented by a doctor in the Royal Navy to ward off scurvy. Genius and delicious! As a result, it seemed only logical for those prone to the ravages of malaria to mix their quinine, the basis of tonic water, with gin for the same purposes and, as the saying goes, the rest is history!

Not surprisingly there were many nefarious activities aboard vessels, and on the docks, and several of the Royal Navy officers began to suspect that their supplies of gin were being diluted by avaricious distillers.

Sub-standard gin was not acceptable then and neither is it today!

As it turns out, the reason why the gin taken on board Royal Navy ships had such a high alcohol content is a very practical one. Gin was stored in wooden barrels alongside gunpowder below deck. If the barrels leaked and soaked the gunpowder, the alcohol content had to be a minimum of 57.15% as anything below that and the gunpowder would not burn.

And so, it became known as Navy Strength, and officers of the navy used gunpowder as a simple test to ensure that they were getting gin of the proper strength. In fact, it was gunpowder proof!

Now we don't advocate that you take to drinking a tot of gin a day because let’s face it, that tired old excuse of warding off scurvy just isn’t going to hold water anymore! However, if you do fancy coming along to the D&P for a snifter of Nelson’s gin, then you would receive a very warm welcome.

In addition to Nelson’s Navy Strength gin, we also stock:

Nelson’s Dry Gin 42.5% ABV

A clean, fresh taste and aroma, but at the same time deeply and surprisingly complex. Perfect for those of your who enjoy a good London Dry.

Nelson’s Rhubarb and Custard Gin 41% ABV

Made to the original recipe of Nelson’s London Dry Gin, it is infused with a wonderfully sweet natural rhubarb essence and Madagascan vanilla to bring out a rich custard flavour. Enjoy neat over ice or with a premium tonic.

Nelson’s Timur Gin 41% ABV

Timur pepper is part of the Sichuan or Szechuan pepper family and is sourced from the mountains in Nepal. Not pungent or hot like many peppers, Timur has a unique aroma. It has slightly grapefruit overtones and creates a tingly feeling in the mouth.

Cin cin!