Aval Dor Cornish Dry Gin is one of those bottles that immediately piques my curiosity. The name itself — Aval Dor — has a wonderful Cornish ring to it, and as someone who has spent years exploring how terroir and regional identity shape spirits, I find Cornwall's emerging gin scene genuinely exciting. At 42% ABV, this sits right in that sweet spot for a London Dry style: enough strength to carry botanical complexity without overwhelming the palate.
Style & Character
What I appreciate about Aval Dor is its commitment to the London Dry tradition. This is a category defined by discipline — juniper must lead, and the distillation process demands that all flavours come from the still, with nothing added after the fact. It's a style that rewards craftsmanship, and at this price point you'd expect careful attention to botanical balance and clean distillation. A well-made Cornish London Dry should deliver that signature juniper backbone while allowing regional character to shine through, and at 42% ABV there's a lovely accessibility here that makes it versatile behind the bar.
Best Served
I'd reach for this in a classic Martini first — a 3:1 ratio with a quality dry vermouth, stirred long over good ice until properly diluted and silky cold. The London Dry framework should provide the structural backbone that a Martini demands. For something longer, a well-made G&T with a premium Indian tonic and a twist of grapefruit peel would let the botanical profile open up beautifully. If you're feeling adventurous, try it in a White Lady — the combination of gin, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice is a wonderful way to test how a London Dry performs when asked to stand up alongside bold citrus flavours.
At 7.8 out of 10, Aval Dor Cornish Dry Gin represents a solid entry in the London Dry category. It's the kind of bottle that earns its place on a well-curated back bar, and I'd happily recommend it to anyone looking to explore what Cornwall's distillers are bringing to the table.
