Flavor Profile
Somewhere between the world of pink gin and flavored gin is this middle ground there exists a place for gins like Tarquin’s Rhubarb and Raspberry Gin. It’s not quite a pink gin, though it is flavored with berries.
Eleven core botanicals are macerated overnight in wheat spirit, the more delicate violets are added later. Those are then distilled. This is the same foundation as Tarquin’s flagship dry gin. The British grown raspberries and rhubarb are macerated later.
At 38% ABV, Tarquin’s Rhubarb and Raspberry Gin is legally a full-strength gin in its country of origin— and not a gin liqueur.
Tasting Notes
Color: Perfectly transparent with a peach hue.
Aroma: Jammy,with notes of strawberry, damson and lemon zest. Hints of juniper and spice dance around the edges, but Tarquin’s Rhubarb and Raspberry Gin won’t be mistaken for anything but a berry flavored gin.
Flavor: Fresh stewed rhubarb dominates the front half of the palate. It’s a beautiful rhubarb flavor.
Mid-palate, some of the lemon, cardamom, and terpey juniper with rosemary facets begins to shine through. Here it most clearly showcases the underlying Tarquin’s Gin. Late, the raspberry clearly comes through. There’s an authentic tartness that comes with this.
It’s not at all sweet. With no added sugar, there’s dryness and the fruits’ natural sour character.
Finish: Sour and dry, with notes of strawberry jam and lemon zest.
Cocktails
Tarquin’s Rhubarb and Raspberry Gin is a good sipping gin with a lovely flavor. Though some might find it a touch too tart for neat or on the rocks as their primary way of sipping it.
The lack of sugar means that it is perfectly sweetened when paired with tonic or lemonade.
Ultimately it leaves the decision about how sweet you’d like it in the hands of the drinkers. Try it in a Clover Club for a dessert-like treat.
Overall, Tarquin’s Rhubarb and Raspberry Gin
Ultimately, I think this flavored gin is at its best when mixed. Some of the tartness, especially of the rhubarb is mellowed, and the citrus notes become brighter.
But overall, Tarquin’s Rhubarb and Raspberry Gin is a nicely made, authentically flavored alternative to pink gins. I’d love if the beautiful juniper notes of Tarquin’s Dry Gin was more present on both nose and palate. Regardless, it’s still a successful flavored gin that will appeal to fans of flavored gins.
Recommended in its category.
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