Tarquins

Based just 20 minutes North-east of Newquay, the Southwestern Distillery was founded by Tarquin Leadbetter in 2012. Previously a classically trained chef, Tarquin left a desk job in London to pursue a dream of opening the first distillery in his homeland of Cornwall for over 100 years.

Recognising the growth of gin at the time, Tarquin is completely self-taught, selling his first bottle of gin in July 2013. His first still was originally heated with a large gas ring that was used for his paella pan - the operation now has 4 stills (named Tamara, Senara, Tressa and Ferrara) that are all heated with a direct flame. The tops of the stills are sealed with bread dough - which sounds weird but is a very traditional process.

The Strawberry & Lime Gin uses the same 12 botanical as the Cornish Dry Gin - 11 of which are macerated in the wheat-base spirit overnight in the still - before along with the violet petals 100% British strawberries and fresh lime zest added as the still heat up. Post distillation, yet more strawberries and whole limes are added to infuse more flavour and that fabulous colour.

The danger here is that the strawberry element is too sweet, or the lime is too sour and overbearing. It absolutely is not the case here. Strawberries are pronounced on the nose, with very little lime to speak of. But the lime comes through on the palate, as the strawberry dials back slightly to let the citrus come through. The balance is excellent- - the flavour profile seems to shift back and forth between sweet fruit and zingy citrus, with the 'gin' element sitting back and letting them do the work.Use a neutral tonic with this, or using this as a perfect base for a Clover Club, or add a dash to Champagne for a fruity French 75!