The Marlborough distillery behind the gin named the best in New Zealand has launched a new Navy Strength version, complete with a live gunpowder test.

Elemental Distillers released its Roots Norwester Navy Strength Dry Gin at an event held at its Rapaura distillery. In July, its Roots Marlborough Dry Gin won the Trophies for Best New Zealand Gin and Best Overall Gin at the New Zealand Spirits Awards 2021.

The new gin was gunpowder tested in a live recreation at the distillery, overseen by a retired Royal Navy Lt Commander, Royal NZ Airforce Chief Armourer and local Muzzle Loaders Club.

Elemental’s Ben Leggett says it was a huge amount of fun. “The core event saw me pour a sample of our Navy Gin into a howitzer shell and ignite with a cannon fuse in authenticity of its ‘proof’. We even had an authentic Royal Navy Lt Commander drilling our troops and signalling me to raise the gin pennant. Not a bad way to launch a new gin product!”

Distributor: Elemental Distillers