Fresh-pressed black cherries deepen Tarquin's small-batch 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.

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 infusion 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 stills 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 dilution, while the lemon keeps the drink lifted and prevents the fruit from reading as jammy.