First Impressions
Tarquin's The Seadog is the navy strength expression from Southwestern Distillery, inspired by the wild north Cornish coast and the Atlantic beyond. Distilled in Tamara — their copper pot still named after the goddess of the Tamar — over a naked flame at 57%. It won World's Best Gin at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Awards.
Tasting
The nose is fresh, crisp and vibrant — juniper with light aromatic spice, orange blossom and cardamom. On the palate, spicy and citrusy with cardamom taking centre stage alongside early orange zest and coriander. Hints of cardamom bun, vanilla and almond emerge with heady floral notes and crisp violet. The finish is crisp and clean with lingering citrus zest and eastern spices.
The Bottom Line
The Seadog earns a 9 for being a navy strength with genuine personality. The cardamom and violet from the standard Tarquin's are amplified beautifully by the 57%, and the naked flame distillation gives it a richness that industrial methods cannot replicate. World's Best Gin 2017 was thoroughly deserved. At around £43, outstanding navy strength gin.
