Gin
The popularity of gin continues to rise, with a plethora of different flavours and options available, including a number of gins which have been created and produced right here in Cornwall. Isobel Hudson, from The Waterfront in Perranporth, knows her Bombay from her botanicals, and offers over 50 different gins with suggestions for which tonic and accompaniments to pair them with. Here are her recommendations for Cornish gins to try this summer:
“The Tarquins range have a fabulous selection of different flavours, and one of this years’ favourites seems to be the Rhubarb and Raspberry, served with a ginger ale (good for people who don’t like tonic). We were all very excited when Trevethan brought out three new flavours for summer including Zesty Lemon, Rhubarb and Apple, and our best seller so far, Passion Fruit and Orange Blossom, which we serve with a lemon tonic and orange slices, it’s a lovely summery drink.
Also Curio have a Blueberry gin which is delicious. It tastes like blueberry, vanilla and lime but is still quite dry. We suggest pairing it with an Indian tonic and a wedge of lime. Finally, Tinkture Cornish Rose Gin is made locally by Hannah Lamiroy. She has created a good quality, organic, beautiful tasting gin and also offers refill pouches to help be environmentally friendly.”
Tonic
With all the wonderful Cornish gins now available, earlier this year a premium Cornish tonic was launched to pair with them. Navas is named after a small Cornish village called Port Navas and is made from natural botanicals and Cornish spring water. Delicious as a thirst-quencher on its own, or as a mixer to pair with spirits; it’s just the tonic.
Beer
A new micro-brewery and taproom has opened in Perranporth! Black Flag Brewery, on New Road, is now open to the public from Thursdays to Sundays. They produce a range of year-round and seasonal beers in traditional cask, keg, can and bottle, and also serve a range of other drinks. The taproom offers a chance to drink Black Flag beers at source, in the best possible condition. The award winning Driftwood Spars down at Trevaunance Cove in St Agnes also brews its own real ale which can be enjoyed in the beer garden or by a cosy wood burning stove, depending on the weather! All of the Driftwood’s own beers are gluten free
