At 95% ABV, Anno Spirits Extreme 95 makes one hell of a martini
Anno Spirits
Anno Spirits, a distillery out of Kent, England, has released the world’s strongest gin, coming in at a hair-raising 95% ABV. This surpasses the former winner of the title, (Scotland’s Twin River Distiller)—a mere 77% ABV.
As the tasting notes tout, Anno Spirits Extreme 95 is crystal clear with a “powerful juniper” nose with “subtle citrus aromas.” On the palate, the gin has “robust juniper” and “smooth spices that soften into a fresh bite of citrus.”
What’s the benefit of a gin that strong? The brand points out that a little gin goes a long way: all you need to mix up a regular-strength gin and tonic is a quarter of an ounce. Same strength, less liquid.
Co-founder Dr. Andy Reason told The Spirits Business, “It took a lot of experimentation and expertise, but we’re so proud of what we’ve achieved, without compromising on flavor. With my 65th birthday coming just a few days before the launch, it’s not only a fantastic way for me to celebrate such a big milestone, but it is also great to be flying the flag for both Kent and Great Britain, with a world record.”
High-proof gins are canonical in gin history: navy strength gin dates back to the eighteenth century, when the British Royal Navy would allocate rations of spirits to their sailors.
As the stories go, the barrels of gins and rums would sit right by the gunpowder. But tinkering with spirits was common, so savvy sailors realized that they could test the proof of their spirit by dousing it with gunpowder and waiting for it to light. If it was lit, the alcohol was of sufficient strength.
But the thing is, gin would only light if it was over 57.5%. Hence, the tradition of ultra high-proof spirits was born (though the sailors skipped the 95% ABV).
Anno was founded in 2011 by doctors Andy Reason and Normal Lewis, who left behind their careers as scientists to pursue a dream of crafting unique spirits.
Anno Spirits Extreme 95 Gin comes packed in a presentation box with a measuring beaker to get that G&T ratio exact. Bottles are 200 mL (or just under seven ounces) and retail for £30 (US$39).
Needless to say, drink responsibly.