2-4 Lanadwell St, Padstow PL28 8AN, UK
Tarquins Gin Creative Wild Cornish Coast
ABOUT US
This is the story of Southwestern Distillery, our Founder Tarquin Leadbetter, our ethos and our processes.
CRAFTED ON THE WILD CORNISH COAST
Founded by self-taught Master Distiller, Tarquin Leadbetter, it all started with a little pot-still on a kitchen stove, the rest as they say is history.
TARQUIN’S BEGINNING
Tarquin’s Gin is the story of our founder, Tarquin Leadbetter and his quest to craft a world beating gin on The Wild Cornish Coast.
At just 23 years old, Tarquin, a classically trained chef from the Cordon Bleu in Paris, somehow finds himself sat behind a grey desk in the city of London. He quickly realises this environment is at odds to what really makes him tick and he serves his notice. He starts to scheme. One idea surfaces, then another, then more. Each building in ambition and each driven by the same guiding principle – the passion to create.
He hones his thinking. One idea takes a hold and quickly becomes an all-encompassing vision. Tarquin, supported by the business acumen and drive of his sister Athene, sets his sights on establishing the first Cornish distillery for over 100 years. Armed with a 0.7 ltr copper pot still, a suitcase stuffed with botanicals weird and wonderful, and a prized surfboard, Tarquin makes his return to the West Country and begins his adventure to create what will later be awarded the World’s Best Gin.
TARQUIN’S LEARNINGS
Self-taught on his kitchen stove, Tarquin perfects his first gin
Over the course of the next 12 months, Tarquin tirelessly concocts hundreds of experiments. A lot of gin is drunk. A lot of smiles had. Some grimaces. Some headaches. But then he hits upon the winner.
From his bounty of botanicals, 12 are finally selected – a concoction of roots, spices, nuts, seeds, fruits and flowers sourced from the far corners of the world as well as from his back garden.
The precise recipe is finalized and safely documented. It’s then put under lock and key and told to no one else. Tarquin’s gin is ready – now to time to start sharing it with the world.
TAMARA JOINS THE TEAM
The Gin is flowing freely and an up-scaling is required.
A second-hand Portuguese alembic copper pot still is bought. It’s named Tamara – Goddess of the river Tamar, the border between Devon and Cornwall. It’s only 250 litres.
This truly is small-batch production. Resources are limited and so techniques and processes have to adapt accordingly. Tarquin already has a large gas ring used to heat his paella pan and so that becomes the heat source.
A direct naked flame and bread dough to seal the top of the pot stills – this is as traditional and analogue as distilling gets. There are no machines, no automation, no out-sourcing. Every stage of the process is judged by eye, touch and taste. This approach to distilling is incredibly labour intensive but it means that the authenticity and integrity of the final result is ensured. This is Tarquin’s core ethos.
The gin starts to flow. The first batch is distilled then filled, labelled, waxed, stamped and signed all by hand. On 30th July 2013, the first bottle is sold to the Gurnard Head Hotel in St. Ives, Cornwall – Southwestern Distillery is now officially trading.
GAINING RECOGNITION
It’s not long before Tarquin is once again back into full creative experimentation mode.
Two months after the sale of this first bottle comes the release of his second product to strengthen and significantly diversify the Southwestern portfolio and further buck convention. A product that is as unique as it is bold as it is brave – Tarquin crafts the first ever Pastis to be commercially distilled in the UK. The brilliantly named ‘Cornish Pastis’.
On the eve of Tarquin’s first anniversary he receives news. News that places Southwestern Distillery firmly on the craft-spirits map. First comes a Gold medal for the Pastis from the 2014 San Francisco World Spirits Awards. The only Pastis in the world to win Gold that year. Next, it’s the Gin’s turn. It claims its own Gold medal from the 2014 IWSC awards. One of only six Gold medals to be awarded to all international gins.
Over the ensuing years, up to the present day see even more Gold and double Gold medals awarded for these two original labels. All the while the Southwestern tribe continues to grow and strengthen; a second – Senara, and then a third – Tressa, copper pot stills are added to the mix to keep up with the ever-expanding demand.
“WORLD’S BEST GIN”
San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017
Then Tarquin adds the most prized feather to his already fairly illustrious cap. The third addition to the permanent range, the brilliantly bold Tarquin’s “The SeaDog’ Navy Strength Gin, clocking in at a punchy 57% abv, is crowned the “World’s Best Gin” at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition from a contesting using age pool of over 260 individual gins.
A fairly remarkable achievement for a self-taught distiller, using old techniques in a converted cow shed perched on a windswept hilltop overlooking the wild Cornish Coast.
KEEP EXPERIMENTING
Cut to the present day and yet more exciting developments.
In the subsequent years, Tarquin would go on to win numerous accolades in Cornwall and across the globe for his gin. Today, Tarquin’s Cornish Dry Gin is sold in over 30 countries, with the same recipe Tarquin diligently crafted on a mini copper pot still over 10 years ago.
The addition of a forth, state-of-the-art 500 litre copper still – Ferrara – brings yet more opportunities and scope for continued growth. This one-of-a-kind modern still now stands side by side with the three original pot stills. A fusion of the old and the new. The traditional and the progressive.
The Tarquin’s Gin collection has expanded to incorporate a variety of exotic and locally foraged botanicals to suit all preferences and palates. With Tarquin continuing to innovate and push boundaries, one thing is for sure – plenty more gin will be enjoyed!
Yet, true to his original vision Tarquin’s remains resolute in his approach towards authenticity and integrity. His core ethos remains strong in all that’s attempted and achieved.
It is one thing to have a vision. And quite another to bring this vision to life. This is the story of Tarquin’s Cornish Gin. Hand-crafted Cornish spirits – done just a little bit differently.
TARQUIN’S HANDCRAFTED CORNISH DRY GIN
£37.00
70cl
42% ABV
A contemporary take on a classic London dry gin, distilled with 12 botanicals sourced from across the globe and locally foraged on the wild Cornish coast. Crisp piney notes from the juniper balance with fresh citrus and a bright floral finish. Try it with red grapefruit and a sprig of thyme.
Tasting notes:
Fresh, crisp and vibrant juniper nose. Light aromatic spice, orange blossom and a hint of cardamom. Creamy, dry with delicate green pine and subtle frangipane notes. Crisp and clean on the finish, with lingering citrus zest and eastern spices.
Pairs perfectly with:
Mediterranean Tonic, Red Grapefruit and a sprig of Thyme.
Vegan friendly. All orders delivered in plastic free packaging.
NOSE
Fresh piney juniper on the front of the leading to zesty lemon sherbet notes from the coriander, vibrant orange blossom from the fresh peels, rounded natural sweetness from the liquorice and an oily creaminess from the almonds.
TASTE
Like stumbling across a citrus grove in the middle of a pine forest. Crisp and vibrant. Touch of warm eastern spice from the cardamom and cinnamon. Floral notes from the handpicked violets and orris root.
FINISH
Beautifully smooth and bright. Touch of sherbety sweetness while remaining classically dry and juniper lead. Big hit of oily fresh citrus, giving it a full mouth-feel leading on to some gentle spice warmth. Lingering floral complexity at the end.
TARQUIN’S “THE SEADOG” NAVY STRENGTH GIN
Our ‘world-beating’ gin – brimming with Cornish personality
£46.00
70cl
57% ABV
Proud winner of “World’s Best Gin 2017” at the San Francisco World Spirits Awards. Inspired by the beautiful, wild coast of north Cornwall and the Atlantic Ocean beyond, Tarquin’s “The Seadog” Navy Gin is brimming with bold Cornish personality.
Tasting notes:
Fresh, crisp and vibrant juniper nose. Light aromatic spice, orange blossom and a hint of cardamom. Creamy, dry with delicate green pine and subtle frangipane notes. Crisp and clean on the finish, with lingering citrus zest and eastern spices.
Pairs perfectly with:
An aromatic tonic, a slice of orange and sprig of rosemary.
70cl – 57% ABV
Vegan friendly. All orders delivered in plastic free packaging.
TASTING NOTES
Big, bold and aromatic
NOSE
Bold juniper, cracked black pepper, candied citrus
TASTE
Pine forest, rich spice, zesty tangerine, rounded sweetness from almond & violets
FINISH
Big and bold, unctuous, creamy mouth feel, spiced pine, orange sherbet.
TARQUIN’S LEMON & ORANGE GIN
£38.00
70cl
38% ABV
Inspired by the fragrant citrus groves of Italy.
This juicy limited edition is crafted in small authentic batches at our Distillery HQ on the Wild Cornish Coast. Infused with juicy lemons and fresh orange peel overnight. To craft a beautiful gin that will transport you to the idyllic Southern Coast of Italy in a single sip.
Tasting notes:
Nose – Citrus Blossom, Fresh Marmalade & Lemon Drizzle
Body – Wild Lemons, Orange Sorbet & Sicilian Lemonade
Finish – Juicy Citrus, Sweet Yuzu & Zesty Blood Orange
Pairs perfectly with:
Serve with a Fever-Tree Sicilian lemonade, orange wedge & basil
70cl – 38% ABV
TASTING NOTES
Tarquin’s creations are always perfectly balanced and juniper led. Inspired by our home on the Wild Cornish Coast, each of our gins celebrates local flavour, ingredients and environment.
NOSE
Citrus Blossom, Fresh Marmalade & Lemon Drizzle
TASTE
Wild Lemons, Orange Sorbet & Sicilian Lemonade
FINISH
Juicy Citrus, Sweet Yuzu & Zesty Blood Orange
TARQUIN’S HOLBORN DINING ROOM LIMITED EDITION
£58.00
70cl
47% ABV
Hand Crafted in collaboration with Holborn Dining Room.
This special limited edition is crafted in proud collaboration with Holborn Dining Room. Where gin lovers can savour more than 14,000 possible gin and tonic pairings. Crafted in small batches at our distillery on The Wild Cornish Coast, it’s been masterfully distilled to a recipe created by the Holborn Dining Room team. A full bodied gin with spiced orange, bay leaf and lemon thyme. Dazzling in Negroni’s with delicious spice and aromatic charm.
Pairs perfectly with: a classic tonic and an orange wedge, served over lots of ice!
70cl – 47% ABV
TASTING NOTES
Full body. Orange, clementine, peppercorn, bay leaf, grapefruit and lemon thyme. Spicy but fresh flavour profile with some smokiness.
NOSE
Fresh citrus, bay leaf, hint of peppercorns
TASTE
Delicious spice, clementine zest & full body flavour
FINISH
Fragrant lemon thyme, spiced orange & a subtle smokiness
TARQUIN’S BLACK CHERRY GIN
Rich, zingy & luxurious
£37.00
70cl
38% ABV
This ultra-rare gin has been infused with fresh pressed black cherries and a touch of orange zest to create a delicious, zingy and very special sipping gin that delights the senses and transports you to the mountains and lakes of the black forest.
Tasting notes:
Nose – Zesty orange, forest fruits and rich cherries 🍊
Body – Soft juniper, rich sweet cherry with a touch of vibrant orange zest 🍒
Finish – Maraschino balanced with a hint of warm spice ✨
Pairs perfectly with:
Serve over muddled fresh cherries with lemon tonic water. Garnish with a slice of fresh lemon.
70cl – 38% ABV
TASTING NOTES
Serve over muddled fresh cherries with lemon tonic water. Garnish with a slice of fresh lemon.
NOSE
Zesty orange, forest fruits and rich cherries
TASTE
Soft juniper, rich sweet cherry with a touch of vibrant orange zest
FINISH
Maraschino balanced with a hint of warm spice
TARQUIN’S STRAWBERRY & LIME GIN
A slice of pink Cornish sunshine
£37.00
70cl
38% ABV
Bringing a little bit of Cornish sunshine to every glass with our celebration of the great British strawberry. our flagship Tarquin’s Cornish gin is first distilled in small batches, with the addition of extra fresh lime zest, then post distillation we lovingly infuse with the sweetest strawberries in season.
Tasting notes:
Wild strawberry, fresh juniper and cracked black pepper on the nose. Zesty lime, sweet orange blossom, and warm spice on the palate. With a finish of tart strawberry jam, candied marmalade, and soft pine.
Pairs perfectly with:
An elderflower tonic and a slice of lime.
70cl – 38% ABV
TASTING NOTES
Tarquin’s creations are always perfectly balanced and juniper led. Inspired by our home on the Wild Cornish Coast, each of our gins celebrates local flavour, ingredients and environment.
NOSE
Crisp, fragrant juniper still prominent as the backbone of the gin, with notes of zesty lime, orange blossom and warm spice.
TASTE
Initial hit of wild strawberry, fresh juniper and a hint of cracked black pepper
FINISH
Candied strawberry jam and sweet marmalade. Retains a lovely dryness to the finish
PADSTOW GIN SCHOOL & SHOP
2-4 Lanadwell St, Padstow PL28 8AN
email: padstow@southesterndistillery.com
OPENING TIMES
Mon – Sat: 10.00-17.30
Sun: 10.00-17.00
ST IVES GIN SCHOOL & SHOP
14 Fore Street, St Ives, TR26 1AB
email: stives@southwesterndistillery.com
OPENING TIMES
Mon – Sat: 10.00-17.30
Sun: 10.00-17.00
TARQUIN’S GIN MASTERCLASS
Hosted in our Gin Schools in the beautiful seaside towns of Padstow and St Ives, in the Tarquin’s Gin Masterclass, you’ll distill your very own gin in a classic copper pot still, using whichever botanicals you love the most. Choose from over 50 of
the world’s favourite botanicals and even bring your very own specialist botanical for your own personal panache!
THE GIN SCHOOL INCLUDES:
Tarquin’s Gin and Tonics
Tarquin’s Tasters
70cl custom-made gin to take home
An introduction to Tarquin’s process and experiments
An array of local, familiar and exotic botanicals for you to choose from to make your own gin in a mini copper pot still
BYOB – Bring your own botanical! If you have something special, feel free to bring along something you’ve grown in the garden, or a favourite spice from your travels
Label, Wax and Sign your own bottle with your individual tasting notes
Approximate school runtime 2 hours to 2.5 hours
Over 18’s only. We operate a challenge 25 policy so may ask for proof of age on arrival. Please get in touch if you have any access requirements.
A soft drink option will be made available on arrival for those not drinking.
1 person per booking – 1 person per still
Admission:
£85 per person
TOUR DAYS AND TIMES
Padstow
Jan – June – Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 11am
July – December – Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 11am
St Ives
Jan – June – Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 11am
July – December – Thursday,
Friday & Saturday at 11am
(Times are subject to change. Please select a date to find available times)
