James Gin "Navy Strength Asian Parsnip"

This gin is bold, quirky and completely memorable—an audacious twist on classic gin craftsmanship that juxtaposes the humble parsnip with exotic Asian spices and delivers it all at full navy strength. It’s playful yet precise, perfect for spirited sipping or elevated cocktails.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Conceived by TV-presenter-turned-spirits entrepreneur James May and produced at Downton Distillery in Wiltshire, England, this “Navy Strength” version boosts the regular Asian Parsnip recipe to 57% ABV, reflecting the historical naval standard. The core botanical focus remains English parsnip, complemented by grains of paradise, ginger, green cardamom, cubeb pepper, fenugreek, caraway seed, liquorice root and sweet orange — all built around the juniper base required in gin. The result is a gin that retains the original recipe’s nutty root-vegetable character and Asian spice lift, but with greater intensity and potency.

Tasting Profile

Nose: Fresh root-vegetable sweetness (parsnip) meets ginger zest, green cardamom pods and a whisper of peppercorn – underpinned by classic juniper and citrus peel.
Palate: Mid-weight and vibrant, the parsnip’s nuttiness forms a groundwork that supports bright spice from cubeb and grains of paradise, with warming fenugreek and subtle liquorice creeping in. Juniper stays clean and present.
Finish: Long, lively and a touch warming – the higher ABV gives a crisp edge of peppery heat, supported by lingering orange zest, mild caraway seed spice and a clean mineral juniper tail.

Quick Overview