Backwards Distilling, based in Wyoming, claims that five times more juniper is used in their gin than in other gins. They also boast of using three types of peppercorns and 11 different botanicals. To a degree, the additional juniper and pepper are noticeable, but so is the higher alcohol. At 57% the use of more juniper seems irrelevant. High proof spirits are nothing new and in fact in the gin world they are known as “navy strength,” a reference to the 18th Century British Navy, whereby crews used high proof gin as a safe drinking option over water and quinine that sailors had to take to prevent scurvy. On its own it offers a cutting sweetness, pine needle, light anise, resin, a whisper of mint and lemon/lime zest. Better suited for cocktails where the girth of this will work as a mixer, alone in the bottle it is a decent high proof gin, but nothing that isn’t already on the shelf. 90
Reviewed by Michael Cervin
Brand – Backwards Distilling
Spirit Type – Gin
Other Designation – Navy Strength
Country of Origin – USA
ABV – 57%
Bottle Size – 750ml
Price – $45
Score – 90
Date Reviewed – 3/11/2025