Flavor Profile
When you think United Kingdom, you don’t often think “beachside resort town,” however, that is just what Salcombe is. Think the English Riviera. And I suppose that would make Salcombe Gin, the Riveria gin?
Self described as an “Old Fashioned” gin producer, Salcombe Gin is distilled in Portuguese hand crafted copper stills, with 13 botanicals, heavy on Citrus as a tribute to regional history (the port in Devon is where tropical ingredients entered the UK via the Atlantic), and distilled with pure Dartmoor water. Traditional in construction, it ties together many parts of UK Gin in an attractive, drinkable package.
Tasting Notes
Salcombe Gin is delightfully loud with resinous, piney, juniper notes. The top notes slowly dissipate revealing a more complex nose with hints of orange and lemon peel, coriander and a touch of spice laden creaminess and a faint floral whisper of lilac.
The palate is intensely flavored, with plenty of the classic notes from the nose, but also much more citrus and sweet spice.
Peppery, spicy cubeb notes begin along side a really creamy sweet orange and ruby red grapefruit citrus. Spice begins to become more prominent mid palate with hints of cinnamon bark, turning slightly mentholated and breathy, with cardamom and licorice coming in. Citrus and coriander later, with the juniper now becoming more prominent, with a very green and vibrant piney character. The finish is long, trending quite long with a creamy juniper led finish. This is lovely stuff in the glass just on its own.
Cocktails
The vibrancy and smoothness of Salcombe Gin warrants a closer look in a Martini, and I think the flavor profile is classic enough to warm the hearts of lifelong Beefeater or Tanqueray Martini drinkers, but with enough nuance to impress those who like the adventurous side of the gin world.
Another drink that I think really commends itself with this gin is the Gin and Tonic. Absolutely simple, but the coolness of this gin on ice with a hint of bitterness is stellar. Highly recommended.
Overall
Salcombe Gin is a delightful, juniper-forward gin that I think will appeal to gin drinkers of all ilks, but especially recommended—perhaps as a holiday gift?— to those who appreciate classic gins above all else. A new gin for the person who hasn’t tried anything but Tanqueray? I love Salcombe Gin and highly recommended it overall and within its style.
Awards
