Strane is a name that tends to pique the curiosity of anyone who takes their gin seriously, and the Merchant Strength London Dry is a brilliant example of why. At 47.4% ABV, this sits in that wonderful sweet spot — noticeably above the standard 37.5% minimum for London Dry, yet just shy of navy strength territory. That extra proof isn't there for bravado; it's there because higher ABV carries botanical oils more effectively, giving the spirit greater depth and persistence on the palate.
A London Dry With Backbone
The "Merchant Strength" designation is a nod to the historical practice of shipping spirits at higher proof to survive long sea voyages — the idea being that if the gin arrived at strength, the merchant could trust the quality. It's a lovely piece of heritage that Strane wears well, and it tells you something about the character of the liquid before you've even opened the bottle. This is a gin built for purpose, with the kind of structural integrity that London Dry demands.
What I particularly admire about Strane's approach is the commitment to the London Dry method itself — a one-shot distillation process where all botanicals are added together, with nothing artificial introduced after distillation. It's the most transparent style of gin-making there is, and at this strength, there's nowhere to hide. Every decision in the still is laid bare in the glass, and that takes real confidence from the distilling team.
Best Served
A gin at 47.4% is practically begging to be mixed. I'd reach for a classic Martini — a 3:1 ratio with a quality dry vermouth, stirred over ice for a full thirty seconds, and strained into a chilled coupe. The higher ABV means the botanicals will punch through beautifully without being drowned. A simple lemon twist, expressed over the surface, is all the garnish you need. This would also hold its own magnificently in a Negroni, where that extra strength ensures the gin doesn't get lost behind the Campari.
