First Impressions
Tarquin's Cornish Sunshine Blood Orange infuses blood orange, pink grapefruit, rhubarb, raspberry and gentian root into the flagship Cornish gin. The gentian root is the clever addition — it creates balanced bitterness among the fruit that prevents this from becoming a simple orange cordial with gin.
Tasting
The nose is bright with orange, pink grapefruit, rhubarb and raspberry, plus a hint of floral lavender spice. On the palate, intense fruitiness balanced by pleasant bittersweet herbal notes — smooth with lively blood orange, ripe orange blossom and subtle Mediterranean herbs. The finish carries summer berries, bergamot and tangerine with blood orange and juniper lingering.
The Bottom Line
Tarquin's Blood Orange earns a 7 for a blood orange gin where the flavours taste real and refreshing rather than sugary. The gentian root adds Aperol-like bitterness that elevates it above simpler orange gins. Best with a splash of fizz and elderflower — or as a base for a Cornish spritz.
