Navy veteran's gin wins award on its gunpowder-test roots

Gavin Gillan's Man O' War Navy Strength gin won top prize at the Melbourne Royal Australian International Spirits Awards. He revived an old sailor tradition: testing gin strength by mixing it with gunpowder and seeing if it still burned.

Why it mattersA Navy vet turned distiller proved that real heritage and careful craft can win recognition. His work also helps veterans connect with each other through making gin together.