He says, “This botanical gives the gin a rounded sweetness, but also brings some lovely vanilla, dark chocolate and roast coffee notes, which all complement each other to create a very balanced, but also playful spirit. So here’s what you need to know about Tarquin’s new rum venture: inspired by the coasts of Cornwall and the Caribbean, it’s the result of two years of creative experimentation in the making. Tarquin’s Cornish dry Gin is distilled in four large copper Stills at the Southwestern Distillery headquarters using traditional techniques.

It’s an ancient way of working at the still, and connected Tarquin deeply to the prospect of producing the first Cornish gin in 200 years. It not only secured the title of Best Gin but also attained the esteemed Double Gold recognition at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition in 2017. Founded by Tarquin Leadbetter – a self taught master distiller, Tarquin decided he would forage, design, and distill his own “Tarquins” Cornish Gins, starting with his Original Cornish Gin, carefully crafted into the now well known frosted blue bottles.

And let your taste buds dance as you indulge in their exquisite craft gins, bursting with blood orange and cinnamon flavours. It collects and uses local spring water, which includes rainfall from the surrounding area in Cornwall, as a key ingredient in its gin. Tarquin’s Gin has not only garnered accolades and awards, but it has also forged a loyal following of discerning connoisseurs who appreciate the artistry that goes into every drop. At 23, he had trained as a chef at Le Cordon Bleu, but the view from his grey office in the City of London was very gloomy, indeed. The striking blue hue, reminiscent of Cornwall’s coastal beauty, is achieved using ceramic glaze fired at high temperatures.

He laughs, “The thought of moving back to the Cornish coast to surf in the morning and distil in the afternoon seemed pretty inviting! This exclusive gin is simply beautiful – a perfect Christmas treat, stunning as a gin and tonic but also versatile enough to elevate any Christmas cocktail you fancy. We’ve already got all the cocktail inspiration you need - check out these tasty rum cocktail recipes (psst - we especially adore the Cornish Caipirinha! As outside the wind whips up the sea and the grey sky stretches across the Atlantic, snuggle up with friends and family before the fire, and enjoy the taste of a cosy Christmas in Cornwall with your Craft Gin Club exclusive Tarquin’s Cornish Christmas Gin.

Discover the story behind this stunning seasonal gin, plus don’t miss the unboxing video with Jon, John and Tarquin - the ginny mastermind himself! We’re driven by the goal of making really authentic, characterful spirits that tell a story of time and place,” he says, “whilst proudly flying the Cornish flag. Tarquin’s Gin bottles epitomise the fusion of aesthetics and functionality, making them an exquisite addition to any gin connoisseur’s collection. But there’s also something very special about Cornwall during the depths of December – the coastline seems even more wild and rugged, and we wanted to capture a little piece of that in our Cornish Christmas Gin.

The result is a gin that transcends the ordinary, captivating the senses with its complex flavours and inviting aromas. This unique characteristic creates an intriguing visual experience and enhances the enjoyment of the drink. Drinks will be chilled in 30-45 minutes and will be kept cold for several hours, especially if kept in the shade. The festive zing of clementine zest lifts the citrus notes, but it’s tonka bean that Tarquin is particularly happy to have added.

The science and technique can be learned and replicated, but to make a great gin requires feel, intuition and conviction. Even as Tarquin’s gin became a global phenomenon, the man himself kept his feet planted firmly on the Cornish soil. Made exclusively for Craft Gin Club’s December 2018 box, Tarquin’s Cornish Christmas Gin is the perfect Christmas spirit to sip on! Our bins hold 18-24 bottles of wine or Champagne or 2-3 cases of lager when filled with ice and water. Tarquin says, “We want Craft Gin Club members to experience the familiar quality that we hope they’ve come to expect with any Tarquin’s product, but with a warm festive cheer to this one.

A union of flavours unfolds as Tarquin’s liquor blends with Fever-Tree’s refreshing citrus, delicate floral notes, and subtle Mediterranean herb infusions. Tarquin’s Cornish Gin, a spirited, captivating creation, finds its humble abode in the quaint Cornish Distillery, where the skilful hands of Tarquin Leadbetter, his family, and his team birth their delicious liquor.Tarquin and his team don’t disappoint, encasing their Christmas spirit in an icy blue bottle sealed with a generous slick of hand-dipped gold wax. Add in generous ice cubes, and fill your glass with Tarquin’s Gin, infused with hand-foraged violets.