First Impressions
Tarquin's British Blackberry begins with the flagship Cornish gin at 76% ABV, into which fresh-pressed blackberries are infused. Cornish spring water brings it down to 38%, and local wildflower honey is added just before bottling for fragrant sweetness and balance. The sweetness comes from natural sugars in blackberries and honey rather than added sugar.
Tasting
The nose delivers crisp piney juniper with notes of blackberry crumble, wild berries and sweet spice. On the palate, a burst of summer pudding — juicy blackberries mingling with sweet vanilla custard, with juniper asserting itself as a refreshing counterpoint. The finish is candied lemon sherbet and zingy blackberry sorbet, with juniper returning to leave subtle dryness.
The Bottom Line
Tarquin's British Blackberry earns a 7 for a fruit gin that tastes like actual blackberries rather than artificial flavouring. The infusion at 76% before dilution captures maximum fruit intensity, and the Cornish wildflower honey adds fragrance without cloying sweetness. At 38%, it is lighter than some competitors, but the flavour more than compensates.
