Review

Hayman's Royal
Dock of Deptford Gin

Christopher Hayman of Hayman Distillers Ltd. (and Thames Distillery), London, England, UK - although the production and storage is in Witham, Essex. Distributed in the USA by Haus Alpenz, Manhasset, New York.

Hayman Distillers and Haus Alpenz.

Haymans have been distilling Gin in London for 150 years and started with James Burroughs (of Beefeater Gin fame) as James Burroughs Ltd. The company was sold in 1987 to Whitbread, although part of the business was retained and renamed Hayman’s. Today Christopher Hayman is supported by his son (James) and daughter (Miranda), the great-great-grandchildren of James Burroughs. This is the longest serving family owned gin distiller in England today.

Launched in 2012, Royal Dock of Deptford Gin represents the style supplied by the Hayman family and previous generations to both the Royal Navy and the trade from 1863. Based in London, as they are still, they delivered to the Royal Victoria Yard in Deptford, London. This was primarily to the “Senior Service” (The Royal Navy) at the Royal Dock, the largest of the three Admiralty Victualling Boards. At 57% ABV, this was the strength required by the Navy, as it would still enable gunpowder to ignite if the Gin was spilt on it.

Unknown.

Navy Strength Gin.

57% (114 Proof).

$$ - $$$. Try Merwin Liquors, France 44 or Vine and Table.

9 classic botanicals are used but which are unknown.

The name Royal Dock represents the yard, which was established in 1513 by Henry VIII on the River Thames in Deptford, South London. London was the largest port in England with other smaller ports in Gosport and Plymouth. For over 4 centuries the Royal Dock, headquarters for the Navy Victualling Board, was responsible for the provisions on board each Royal Naval ship. Just a few miles up river from Greenwich, the home of the Royal Navy College, this geographical area was a key point of departure for some of the most significant ventures in British Naval history.

On the nose is citrus (both orange and lemon) and pine-like juniper with some herbal notes. On the palate the citrus (lemon) and juniper comes through followed by some sweet liquorice. The close continues with the same palate and finishes with spice (cardamom and coriander) notes. A fresh and nicely balanced Gin.

This is a very good versatile Gin; try it in a Gimlet, Gin and Tonic, Martinez, Martini, Negroni, Pink Gin and Tom Collins. There is some similarity to Plymouth’s Navy Gin, however this has a little more bite/less softness and feels fresher. We have to salute Hayman’s; they really are aiming on taking up all the Gin niche markets with their portfolio of products.

Double Gold Medal, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2013.