First Impressions
Start Point is the flagship of Salcombe Distilling Co., named after the headland at the entrance to Salcombe harbour. Each botanical is inspired by the precious cargoes of fruits and spices carried by Salcombe's famous fruit schooners. Macedonian juniper berries are selected for their high limonene content, and fresh citrus peels — red grapefruit, lemon and lime — are hand-peeled each day before distillation. Dartmoor water brings the gin to proof.
Tasting
The nose is delightfully loud with resinous, piney juniper, dissipating to reveal orange and lemon peel, coriander, spice-laden creaminess and a faint floral whisper of lilac. On the palate, rich, full and incredibly smooth — distinct red grapefruit alongside heady earthy pine from Macedonian juniper, with warming spice and earthy sweetness from liquorice and angelica. The finish is fresh, lingering and balanced, lengthened by green cardamom.
The Bottom Line
Start Point earns an 8 for delivering a premium London Dry with genuine provenance. The hand-peeled fresh citrus gives a vibrancy that dried peels cannot match, and the Dartmoor water adds a softness to the texture. At around £42, it sits at the premium end but the quality of ingredients justifies the price.
