Manchester Gin Overboard 50cl

Manchester Gin's brilliantly titled 'Overboard' is inspired by a story you might have heard before.

This take on Navy strength gin is named in reference to tales of the Royal Navy from the 18th Century, who had legislated that all naval ships must carry 100% proof gin on board.

The legend goes that shipmates would find it hard to resist helping themselves to a cheeky tipple of gin on the sly (and who can blame them?), and would add water to mask the slowly decreasing quantity.

However, it was possible to expose the effort to hide a boozy transgression with this specific test.

Supposedly, gunpowder wouldn't ignite if it was soaked in alcohol below 57% ABV, meaning that superior officers could douse some gunpowder in gin and see if it would light.

If there was no fireworks, then the gin must have been watered down. For this grave crime, there was a readily-suggested punishment: throw them overboard!

An ode to this tale, Manchester Gin Overboard is bottled at 57%, and retains the subtle flavours and smooth delivery we've come to expect from Jen Wiggins' and Seb Heeley's growing brand.