The name “Navy Strength Gin” is a bit misleading, and the story a bit labyrinthine. Basically, “navy strength” is any botanical-forward gin of at least 57% ABV, and the term itself has a dubious connection to the circa 18th century British Royal Navy.

You see, sailors back then avoided watered-down gin by testing it: they would mix gin with gun powder and light it on fire; if the flame was clear, the gin was strong enough to drink – it was, one could say, “navy strength.”