There are gins that whisper their intentions, and there are gins that announce themselves with absolute conviction. Sipsmith V.J.O.P. — Very Junipery Over Proof — belongs emphatically to the latter camp. Bottled at 57.7% ABV, this is a Navy Strength expression that wears its juniper heart not just on its sleeve but across every element of its character. It is, as the name rather boldly promises, very seriously good.
A Juniper-Forward Philosophy
Sipsmith Distillery has built its reputation on reverence for tradition married to exacting craft, and V.J.O.P. represents that philosophy taken to its logical extreme. Where many contemporary distillers have moved towards lighter, more citrus-led profiles, this expression doubles down on what gin was always meant to be: a celebration of juniper. The botanical bill reads like a masterclass in balance — coriander seed and angelica root providing the structural backbone, while liquorice root and orris root lend depth and a silky roundness that tempers the considerable strength. Ground almond and cassia bark contribute a subtle warmth, with cinnamon adding just a whisper of spice. Seville orange peel and lemon peel complete the picture, offering the bright citrus lift that prevents a gin of this intensity from ever feeling heavy-handed.
Navy Strength, Properly Executed
The Navy Strength category demands a certain courage from the distiller. At 57.7% ABV, there is nowhere to hide — any flaw in distillation or botanical selection is amplified rather than masked. It is a test of craft, and Sipsmith passes it convincingly. The higher proof does not bludgeon; rather, it concentrates and clarifies the botanical character in a way that rewards attention. This is not heat for the sake of heat. It is intensity with purpose.
Best Served
I would reach for V.J.O.P. when mixing a Martini — the elevated proof carries beautifully through vermouth, and that juniper intensity ensures the gin is never lost in the drink. A classic G&T with Fever-Tree Indian Tonic and a twist of grapefruit peel also does it justice, the quinine and citrus providing a clean counterpoint to all that resinous juniper. For the more adventurous, it makes a formidable Negroni, standing toe to toe with Campari without flinching.
At £50, V.J.O.P. sits at a premium, but it justifies the price through sheer concentration of flavour and the craftsmanship evident in every measure. This is a gin that knows exactly what it is and executes that vision with precision. For anyone who believes juniper should reign supreme, Sipsmith V.J.O.P. is essential drinking. I score it 8 out of 10 — a commanding Navy Strength that earns its place among the finest in the category.
