First Impressions
Royal Dock is Hayman's navy strength gin, named for the Royal Dockyard at Deptford where the Royal Navy once tested the proof of its gin rations. At 57% — the minimum strength at which gin would still allow gunpowder to ignite if the barrel leaked — it carries the same ten Hayman's botanicals but amplified by proof.
Tasting
The nose delivers crisp pine-accented juniper with angelica, coriander and citrus zest, plus aromatic orange blossom. On the palate, a lovely thick, creamy mouthfeel — zesty orange peel and dried lemon accompany heady, unabiding juniper. Pepperiness from angelica and coriander meets creamy texture from liquorice root. The finish is exceptionally long — bitter orange and pine endure and fade slowly with pleasant, omnipresent heat.
The Bottom Line
Royal Dock earns a 9 as what many consider the gold standard for navy strength gin, rivalled only by Plymouth Navy Strength. The thick, creamy mouthfeel is extraordinary, and the proof carries flavour without aggression. At around £34, it is astonishing value for a navy strength of this quality. Essential for Gimlets, Pink Gins, and Negronis where the gin needs to stand its ground.
