Black Shuck Ignite Gunpowder Proof Gin

Black Shuck Ignite delivers a Gin that is outrageously smooth and unapologetically bold. The ever-present Juniper is balanced with the warming Sea Buckthorn and citrus notes. Ignite Gin is perfect for sipping. The story of Black Shuck Ignite Gin In the late 1600’s Gin was given to British Naval crews three times a day to ward of diseases such as malaria and scurvy. At the time there was no accurate way to measure the strength of the spirit so when the ships Purser met with the Distiller they would use a simple method to test the strength. A few grains of gunpowder were mixed with the Gin. A flame was put to the mixture. If it ignited then it was 100% proof that the spirit was of sufficient strength. This was crucial because the Gin would most likely be stored next to the gunpowder in the hold. If during the voyage there were choppy seas due to inclement weather or battle the Gin might spill onto the gunpowder. If it wasn’t ‘gunpowder proof’ then the gunpowder may not fire in the cannons.

It was in 1816 that Bartholomew Sykes invented an accurate measuring device. The hydrometer measure the 100% proof spirit at 57.15% abv. Hence the term Navy Strength. Whilst Sikes new ABV scale was adopted by law in 1818, in America they still refer to proof.