Why It’s On Our Shelves
57% Navy Strength Gin inspired by the SS Vina – a powerful expression of Brancaster's coastal gin
Brancaster SS Vina Naval Gin is a 57% ABV Navy Strength expression of the award-winning Brancaster Gin, produced as a very small Special Edition and named after one of the most recognisable sights off the Brancaster coast.
The higher strength gives the gin considerably more intensity, allowing its coastal botanicals, juniper and citrus character to come through with real depth while retaining the balance of the original Brancaster Gin.
But there is another reason this particular bottle belongs in the Brancaster range. Its name comes from the SS Vina, whose wreck still lies off the North Norfolk coast beyond Brancaster Beach.
What does Brancaster SS Vina Naval Gin taste like?
Expect a powerful, juniper-led gin with bright citrus, green pine, pepper and delicate floral notes.
Despite being bottled at 57% ABV, this isn't simply about producing a stronger gin. The additional strength intensifies the botanicals and gives the spirit greater depth, while retaining the freshness and balance associated with Brancaster Gin.
The IWSC judging panel highlighted its juniper-led character together with pepper, green pine, florals and rounded citrus, noting the balance between its sweeter characteristics and the alcohol.
Why is it called SS Vina?
The story behind the name can still be seen from Brancaster Beach.
Originally a coastal cargo vessel, the SS Vina was anchored off the Brancaster coast during the Second World War in 1943, where it was used as a target by RAF pilots.
The vessel eventually sank off the end of Scolt Head Island, where its remains can still be seen as the tides rise and fall.
Over the decades, the wreck has become a familiar part of the seascape at Brancaster – appearing and disappearing with the tide against the shifting sands and enormous North Norfolk horizon.
Brancaster Drinks dedicated this Special Edition Navy Strength Gin to the SS Vina, giving the bottle a connection to a very real piece of the coastline from which the company takes its inspiration.
A very small Brancaster Special Edition
SS Vina Naval Gin is produced as a very small Special Edition batch, taking the character of Brancaster's original award-winning gin and amplifying it at Navy Strength.
At 57% ABV, the increased strength brings greater intensity to its coastal botanicals and citrus notes while keeping juniper firmly at its core.
It's a bolder expression of Brancaster Gin, but one with a story rooted firmly in the landscape – and seascape – of North Norfolk.
The story behind the label
The distinctive artwork used for the SS Vina Special Edition was provided by artist and photographer Harry Cory Wright.
It comes from his collection of drawings, The Island, providing another direct connection between the bottle and the North Norfolk landscape that inspired it.
Product details
Spirit: Navy Strength Gin
ABV: 57%
Production: Very small-batch Special Edition
Character: Juniper-led with citrus, green pine, pepper and delicate floral notes
Named after: The wreck of the SS Vina off Brancaster Beach
Inspiration: Brancaster and the North Norfolk coast