Hayman’s Distillery has its origins in the early days of gin distilling in London. In fact, the original company was acquired by none other than James Burrough of Beefeater Gin fame. The Hayman family worked in distilling for five generations before Christopher Hayman, the great great grandson of James Burrough, brought the Hayman name back to the fore of gin distilling.

Hayman’s Royal Dock Navy Strength Gin is their high proof offering, bottled at the legendary proof point where supposedly soaked gunpowder will still ignite. The gin is named for the Royal Dock in Deptford, just outside London along the Thames river where it was once one of the most important shipbuilding yards in England.

Perfectly classic styled nose which hits all the expected marks. Lots of crisp pine-accented juniper, with hints of angelica, coriander and citrus zest. The citrus notes are particularly what stand out for me and what sets it apart.

The palate has a lovely, thick, creamy mouth feel. Zesty orange peel and dried lemon accompany a heady, unabiding juniper dominated mid-palate. Classic, straight-forward pine note accented juniper. The finish is where an intriguing subtlety almost changes the entire profile. A gentle dash of floral, violet, sweet orange.

The finish is exceptionally long, generally citrus and juniper forward, with bitter orange and pine enduring and fading slowly, receding with a pleasant but omnipresent heat.