Tarquin's has built a reputation for fruit-forward gins that actually taste like the real thing, and their Rhubarb and Raspberry expression is a solid example of the flavoured gin category done with intent. At 38% ABV, it sits at the lower end of the spectrum — a deliberate choice that lets the fruit character lead without too much heat getting in the way.
Style & Character
This is a gin that wears its identity on its sleeve. Rhubarb and raspberry is a classic British flavour pairing — think crumbles, fools, and summer puddings — and Tarquin's leans into that nostalgia. The combination promises a push-pull between tart rhubarb and sweeter raspberry, which at its best creates a genuinely balanced fruit gin rather than something that reads like cordial with a kick.
As a flavoured gin, the challenge is always the same: does the juniper still have a seat at the table? At 38% ABV there is less room for a complex botanical backbone to assert itself, and that is the trade-off you accept with this style. What you gain is approachability — this is a bottle designed to convert people who think they do not like gin.
Best Served
I would pair this with a Japanese-style highball approach: plenty of ice, a premium tonic with low sweetness, and a garnish of fresh shiso leaf or a thin slice of pink grapefruit to bridge the tartness. If you are feeling adventurous, try it lengthened with chilled sparkling sake and a squeeze of yuzu — it plays beautifully with those East Asian citrus notes.
The half bottle format at £22.50 is worth noting. It is not cheap per millilitre, but it is a sensible way to try before committing to a full-sized purchase. For a flavoured gin that delivers on its promise without veering into artificial territory, Tarquin's earns a 7.5 out of 10 from me — reliable, well-made, and a genuine crowd-pleaser.
