Wrecking Coast Distillery launches navy strength gin

by Owen Bellwood

The Wrecking Coast Distillery has expanded its portfolio with the launch of a navy strength bottling, made using Cornish scurvy grass.

Wrecking Coast Distillery Scurvy Gin Navy Strength has been bottled at 57% abv and is made using nine botanicals, including scurvy grass – which was given to sailors until the 19th century as a source of vitamin C. Avian Sandercock, head distiller and founding partner, said: “We wanted our navy strength gin to have a clear reason to exist, not merely an ordinary gin made strong. “Cornwall’s famous sea-faring history and links to the Royal Navy abound with tales of scurvy on the high seas and the curative power of lemons and limes brought us to the knowledge of an older cure – scurvy grass. “We were delighted to find it has a bright, peppery taste and an inherent bitterness which we knew would balance well with a citrus base.” Alongside scurvy grass, the new expression uses fresh un-waxed lemon and lime peel and juniper, as well as five other botanicals, creating a "robust, juniper-led gin with bold citrus notes, hints of liquorice and peppery heat". The new expression is available from select specialist spirits retailers carrying an RRP of £48 per 700ml bottle. Earlier this year, the Cornish gin producer partnered with London restaurant Cornerstone Hackney to create an exclusive expression for the venue.