Thunderflower Distillery in Teignmouth has been awarded one of the industry’s most prestigious prizes

A Devon micro-distillery has scooped one of the top honours in the World Gin Awards 2023, beating stiff competition from some of the world’s best gin-makers. FireShip 58, which was designed, distilled and bottled at Thunderflower HQ in Teignmouth, was picked by an expert panel of judges as the best navy gin in England.

The judges described it as: ‘Juniper-forward nose. Spice led and nicely balanced on the palate with cassia bark and plentiful juniper. A resinous, silky, creamy yet still clean mouthfeel.’

Navy-strength gins have become increasingly popular with mixologists, who favour the high-ABV spirits (57 per cent and over) for their flavour potential in cocktails. FireShip 58 is distilled in small batches in the London Dry method using vapour infusion to extract full-bodied flavour from 20 botanicals.

Thunderflower managing director Anicca O’Nions said: ‘Inspiration for Fireship 58 came from the last invasion of England, which took place near the distillery in Teignmouth in 1690. Naval battles back then used fire ships: wooden ships packed with combustibles and gunpowder, which were set alight and steered while ablaze into the enemy fleet. We imagined the crew taking their last gin before launching their fire ship.’

Love local gins? Check out our roundup of South West gins here.