Bathe in Cornish Sunshine: A Detailed Tasting Guide to Tarquin’s Cornish Sunshine Blood Orange Gin

For gin lovers seeking a taste of summer sunshine, look no further than Tarquin’s Cornish Sunshine Blood Orange Gin. Distilled on the wild Cornish coast, this vibrant spirit captures the essence of the Mediterranean in a bottle.

This detailed tasting guide will explore the unique flavour profile of Tarquin’s Cornish Sunshine Blood Orange Gin, offering suggestions for serving and pairing to elevate your next gin and tonic or craft cocktail experience.

A Feast for the Senses: Unveiling the Flavours

On the Nose:

The first impression is an explosion of citrus. Juicy blood orange takes centre stage, with hints of zesty grapefruit and a touch of lemon peel. Beneath the citrus symphony lies a subtle sweetness reminiscent of summer berries. The juniper backbone, a hallmark of gin, is present but gentle, allowing the vibrant fruit notes to shine. As the aroma lingers, a touch of floral earthiness emerges, hinting at the inclusion of the botanical gentian root.

On the Palate:

The initial sip delivers a burst of sweet and tart citrus flavours, mirroring the blood orange and grapefruit detected on the nose. The juniper asserts itself slightly more on the palate, offering a warming, peppery character that balances the sweetness. Hints of summer berries, particularly raspberry, emerge alongside a subtle floral note. The gentian root’s influence becomes more apparent, adding a touch of earthy bitterness that lingers on the finish. This bitterness is not overpowering but serves to create a delightful complexity, preventing the gin from becoming one-dimensionally sweet.

The Finish:

The finish is clean and refreshing, with the blood orange and juniper notes lingering on the palate. The subtle bitterness of the gentian root provides a pleasant counterpoint, ensuring a well-rounded and satisfying conclusion to the tasting experience.

Crafting the Perfect Serve

Tarquin’s Cornish Sunshine Blood Orange Gin’s versatility allows you to explore a variety of serving options. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• The Classic G&T: For a refreshing and uncomplicated serve, combine 50ml of Tarquin’s Cornish Sunshine Blood Orange Gin with 150ml of high-quality tonic water. Garnish with a slice of fresh blood orange and a sprig of rosemary for a touch of Cornish flair.
• The Cornish Sunshine Spritz: Channel the spirit of a Cornish summer with this light and bubbly cocktail. Combine 50ml of Tarquin’s Cornish Sunshine Blood Orange Gin with 100ml of sparkling wine (such as Prosecco) and 50ml of sparkling elderflower cordial. Garnish with a large citrus wheel, ideally blood orange, for an extra visual touch.
• The Blood Orange Metropolitan: For a sophisticated twist on the classic gin cocktail, try the Blood Orange Metropolitan. Combine 50ml of Tarquin’s Cornish Sunshine Blood Orange Gin, 20ml cranberry juice, 20ml fresh lime juice, and a dash of Cointreau in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a twist of blood orange peel.

Pairing Suggestions

The vibrant citrus notes and subtle sweetness of Tarquin’s Cornish Sunshine Blood Orange Gin make it a perfect partner for a variety of dishes. Consider these pairings to elevate your next meal:

• Seafood: The citrus notes in the gin complement the delicate flavours of seafood. Try it with grilled fish, seared scallops, or a platter of fresh oysters.
• Salads: The gin’s refreshing character pairs well with light and flavorful salads. Opt for a salad with citrus fruits, goat cheese, and candied nuts for a delightful combination.
• Spicy Food: The sweet and citrusy notes of the gin can help to cut through the heat of spicy dishes. Enjoy it with Thai curries, Indian curries, or Mexican fajitas.
• Desserts: The gin’s versatility extends to desserts. Pair it with a fruit salad drizzled with honey, a citrus tart, or a blood orange sorbet for a delightful conclusion to your meal.

A Celebration of Cornish Sunshine

Tarquin’s Cornish Sunshine Blood Orange Gin is more than just a spirit; it’s a taste of the Cornish coast. With its vibrant citrus flavours, subtle sweetness, and intriguing touch of bitterness, this gin offers a unique and delightful drinking experience. So, raise a glass, bask in the sunshine (real or metaphorical), and savour the taste of summer with every sip.