Plymouth Gin gin, purportedly due to a higher than usual proportion of root ingredients, which bring a more 'earthy' feel to the gin as well as a softened juniper flavour. There is also a 'navy strength' variety which is 57% ABV (100° English proof), being the traditional strength demanded by the British Royal Navy. <ref name="http://www.plymouthgin.com"></ref> A 47% ABV (94 U.S. proof) version is distributed worldwide. Plymouth also produces a sloe gin, but has discontinued its Fruit cups and Damson liqueur. Gin, originally being a relatively cheap alcoholic beverage, was bought by the poor and caused considerable social problems, illustrated by the
Sloe gin giving sloe gin a particular aromatic flavour. However, some recipes use a shorter steeping time and include a small amount of almond essence. Another common variation is the addition of a few cloves and a small stick of cinnamon. A sloe gin competition is held each January in The Pandy Inn, Dorstone, Herefordshire, with the winner crowned the "Grand Master of the Sloes". There were 30 Sloe Gins entered in the 2015 competition. They were sampled and scored on colour, clarity, taste and quality by over 50 willing judges. There are also the Sloe Gin Awards in Hebden Bridge, West