Flavor Profile
Cornwall’s Southwestern Distillery has produced several award winning gins— both on this site and beyond. Tarquin’s The Seadog Navy Strength Gin has perhaps the most prestigious accolade, being named World’s Best Gin at the San Francisco World Spirits Awards way back in 2017.
The gin is said to be “brimming with Cornish personality” and features twelve botanicals, including the somewhat unusual violet leaves.
Tasting notes
Aroma: Intense and bright green juniper leaps out on the nose. Cassia, cinnamon and orange peel lend complexity and depth. Tarquin’s The Seadog has a beautiful, fairly classic aroma.
Flavor: The palate leans a bit away from what you might expect on nose alone. Spicy and citrusy, cardamom takes center stage.
It’s far from a one note wonder. Early orange zest combines with coriander and cardamom spice. Mid-palate there’s some hints of cardamom bun, a touch of vanilla and almond with some heady floral notes— it has some distinctive fruitiness, with crisp violet. Juicy orange rind, piney juniper and a fair amount of spice come on late.
It’s a beautiful evolving flavor profile. Though some might say that the nose suggests a direction a bit different than the one The Seadog has taken.
Finish: A warm, but not overwhelming sensation of alcohol adds astringency on the finish. Long and warming, hints of citrus zest and spice are the botanical notes that hang around. However, it’s the overall smoothness and softness of the base spirit that stands out the most.
Cocktails and suggested serves
As a Navy Strength Gin, Tarquin’s The Seadog is intended for cocktails. The strength helps all of the botanical complexity show through. I highly recommend it in a gin and tonic paired with a floral elderflower tonic water.
I might steer away from Martinis and similar cocktails like The Alaska Cocktail because of its strength. However, that’s not entirely fair because herbal things like Vermouth or Chartreuse are ideal pairs for Tarquin’s The Seadog.
Overall, Tarquin’s The Seadog
Tarquin’s The Seadog is an excellent, contemporary style gin, worth seeking out if you’re looking for a versatile Navy Strength at your bar or at home.
Highly recommended in its category
Awards
