Perry’s Tot Navy Strength Gin
Photo courtesy of New York Distilling Company
Distiller Details
New York Distilling Company
Brooklyn, NY, New York
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THL: What is it?
Perry's Tot Navy Strength Gin is a high proof, classic style of gin that includes wildflower honey and 10 other botanicals.
THL: Why should you try it?
At a whopping 114 proof, Perry’s Tot Navy Strength Gin will lend you the bravery to set sail on the stormiest of seas.
Navy Strength Gin is traditionally 57% alcohol by volume because at that strength, gunpowder will still ignite even if dampened by spilled hooch. Perry’s Tot gets its name from Matthew Calbraith Perry, the commander of the Brooklyn Navy Yard from 1841 through 1843. A “tot” was a British measurement for alcohol. While Perry’s Tot Gin has the usual botanical suspects, the distillers experimented with multiple varieties of honey before settling on wildflower honey from upstate New York for a distinct signature style that exudes New York.
"We thought we could add to the gin conversation in part by creating one of our first products, a navy strength gin, that has not been available in this country probably for 100 years," says distillery owner Allen Katz,
THL: Who makes it?
New York Distilling Company is located in Brooklyn's hip Williamsburg neighborhood, New York, where they also distill Dorothy Parker American Gin and have just barreled a rye whiskey. Connected to the distillery is their cocktail bar, The Shanty.
THL: What does it taste like?
The gin is on the hot side given the high proof. An ice cube or two help to ease the heat and peel back rich earthy flavors of juniper, bright citrus and complex unfiltered honey.
THL: How should you drink it?
"For things like gin and tonics or gimlets, we feel that with the character and flavor of the gin we created, and at the proof it’s set at, the flavor really stands out," says Allen Katz, the Vice President of New York Distilling. This is his gimlet recipe:
700 Songs Gimlet
1-1/2 ounces Perry's Tot - Navy Strength Gin
1/2 ounce simple syrup
1/4 ounce cinnamon syrup
3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
4 drops Bitterman's Hellfire Bitters
Shake ingredients, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
