Cornwall is home to a number of independent gin distilleries. We pick 6 of the best Cornish gins to try this winter.
Winter is finally upon us and we can think of no better way to celebrate than by sampling some of the finest botanical gins Cornwall has to offer.
Clotted Cream Gin, Wrecking Coast Distillery
Smooth on the palette and velvety rich in the mouth, this handcrafted, small-batch clotted cream gin delivers a distinctly Cornish flavour. Using the unique approach of building gin around the clotted cream ensures the delivery of its velvety richness balanced with the traditional notes of juniper you expect in gin. Fresh clotted cream is hand distilled in a unique process that blends with their own specially created 12-botantical gin, delivering a one of a kind flavour experience.
This gin is the brainchild of Tarquin, who at just 23 years old, set out on a mission of establishing Cornwall's first ever distillery. The first bottle of Tarquin's Gin was sold to The Gurnard's Head in 2013 and the special concoction of roots, spices, nuts, seeds, fruits and flowers has gone from strength-to-strength ever since.
Aside from the traditional bottle of dry gin, you can also try 'The Seadog Navy Gin', 'Cornish Pastis Gin' and 'British Blackberry Gin' amongst a number of limited edition gins.
Discover the curiously distilled, award-winning Rock Samphire Gin from Curio Spirits and dare to take a sip of the sublime. Made with Cornish Spring Water and quadruple distilled with natural botanicals including hand-foraged rock samphire from the Cornish cliffs this tantalising spirit is smooth enough to drink neat!
A smooth fragrant London dry gin made using traditional methods. The gin recipe was created by Norman Trevethan who was inspired by his visits to London in the roaring 20's, at a time when craft was about rural people recreating city products. Norman invented a unique and truly Cornish gin from local hedgerow ingredients and family recipes. Norman epitomised rural ingenuity and creativity in a time before the word 'craft' was fashionable.
The brothers behind the bottle are the Thompson's - owners and founders of the St Ives Liquor Co and SILCo. Searoom in St Ives. St Ives Gin is a combination of 13 hand-foraged botanicals from the Cornish coastline and clifftops and there are a number of flavours to choose from including 'Super Berry' and 'Blood Orange' - which we can confirm are delicious. The SILCo. Searoom can be found overlooking the harbour in St Ives and it's the perfect spot to enjoy gin cocktails and tapas.
Tinkture is an artisan 'clean alcohol gin' made using organic ingredients with wonderful flavour. The Rose Gin changes colour once mixed with tonic - turning from a golden amber when poured straight from the bottle, into a rosy pink to suit its moniker.
The gin is made using David Austin roses handpicked in the South West and comes in the most beautiful bottle which can be purchased in a miniature size for just £10 - the perfect gift for someone special.
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