Tarquin's Black Cherry Gin

Fresh-pressed black cherries deepen Tarquin's small-batchSmall batchProduction in small quantities per distillation run, often in a small still. The term has no legal definition.Glossary gin without erasing its juniper core. A touch of orange zest links the dark fruit to the citrus-led structure of the Cornish distillery's house style, while the finished bottle remains approachable at 38% ABV.

Citrus · Spicy · Fruity

The nose moves from zesty orange into forest fruit and ripe cherry. That sequence matters because it keeps the aroma fresh before the richer fruit appears. Juniper then provides a soft, dry centre, preventing the infusionInfusionFruit or plants are steeped in the spirit to release their flavour. Done after distillation, infusion often adds colour too, and the gin can no longer be called London Dry.Glossary from becoming a cherry liqueur in character.

The palate is rounded and generous, with black cherry bringing both sweetness and a slight skin-like tartness. Orange zest cuts through the middle, and a quiet warmth of spice emerges toward the end. The finish recalls maraschino cherry, but remains lighter and more botanical than confectionery.

Tarquin's distils in copper pot stillsPot stillA traditional still, often copper, that distils in batches. It keeps more texture and character than a column.Glossary and finishes its batches by hand, including the familiar wax seal and handwritten details. This bottle applies that small-batch approach to pressed fruit rather than relying on artificial colour or a generic cherry aroma, giving the result a clear connection to the underlying gin.

The official recommendation uses muddled fresh cherries, lemon tonic and a fresh lemon slice. Keep the fruit pressure gentle so the drink stays bright rather than pulpy. Plenty of hard ice and a short stir preserves the contrast between cherry, orange and the softer juniper line. The cherry remains vivid after dilutionDilutionThe water added by melting ice. In the right amount it opens the aromas and softens the alcohol; too much flattens the drink.Glossary, while the lemon keeps the drink lifted and prevents the fruit from reading as jammy.