Tarquin's has earned a quiet but firm reputation among those of us who pay close attention to the new wave of British craft distilling. Their British Blackberry Gin, offered here in a convenient half bottle format, represents an interesting proposition — a London Dry foundation married with the unmistakable character of blackberry fruit.
Style & Character
At 38% ABV, this sits at the lower end of the strength spectrum for a gin carrying the London Dry designation. That is not necessarily a criticism, but it does mean the spirit has less room to assert its juniper backbone against the fruit character. Tarquin's has clearly positioned this as an accessible, fruit-forward expression — the kind of gin that invites a broader audience to the category without abandoning its London Dry credentials entirely.
The blackberry influence is the defining feature here, and one would expect it to bring a gentle sweetness and berry depth that softens the traditional juniper-and-citrus architecture. Without confirmed botanical details beyond the blackberry, it is difficult to speak to the full complexity of the recipe, though Tarquin's track record suggests a considered approach to distillation rather than simple flavouring.
Best Served
I would reach for a classic G&T with this one — Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water, a generous wedge of lime, and a few fresh blackberries dropped into the glass. The tonic's quinine bitterness should provide a welcome counterpoint to the fruit sweetness, and the lime will sharpen the whole serve.
At £22.50 for a half bottle, the pricing is fair without being exceptional. A solid 7.4 out of 10 — a well-made, approachable gin that delivers on its blackberry promise, though the modest ABV leaves me wanting just a touch more structural weight.
