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
Juniper berry 8–10 months in a few species, and about 24 months in "J. drupacea"). The mature, dark berries are usually but not exclusively used in cuisine, while gin is flavoured with fully grown but immature green berries. The flavor profile of young, green berries is dominated by pinene; as they mature this piney, resinous backdrop is joined by what Harold McGee describes as "green-fresh" and citrus notes. The outer scales of the berries are relatively flavourless, so the berries are almost always at least lightly crushed before being used as a spice. They are used both fresh and dried, but their