Cornish distillery sees stars

Porthilly Spirit Distillery has won a two-star Great Taste award for its Cornish Coastal Gin.

Recognised as a stamp of excellence among consumers and retailers, Great Taste values flavour above all else, with no regard for branding and packaging. The two-star award means Porthilly’s gin is considered “above and beyond delicious”.

Distillery founder Will Herrmann said: “We launched our gin, rum and vodka in June, after two years of crafting and perfecting the recipes alongside master distillers. We are over the moon with our two stars, and the recognition of quality from independent judges.

“Our Cornish Coastal Gin is a reflection of our surroundings. We take inspiration from both land and sea, making the most of Cornish botanicals such as sea pink, and ingredients like Cornish spring water and sea salt. The result is a gin which is intrinsically linked to our location.”

Judges were impressed by the gin’s flavour profile, praising it for its “fantastic nose – juniper and a clean lemon-peel citrus, with a bit of tangerine character at the forefront, all very elegant with nothing booming. Then the more subtle samphire, slightly sea-air noted and nettles-in-the-rain aroma elevates it above just good.

“A satisfying sipping gin; the essential character persists with tonic, but it seems a shame to dilute the original experience. Great to find a long and intriguing journey, rare to find such fascinating evolution.”

There were 12,777 entries into Great Taste this year. The panel of judges included; cook, writer, and champion of sustainable food Melissa Hemsley; cook, writer, stylist, and voice of modern vegetarian cooking Anna Jones; celebrated Spanish chef José Pizarro; food writer and cook Xanthe Clay; baker and author, Martha Collison; and food buyers from Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason, and Waitrose.

Porthilly Spirit Cornish Coastal Gin (42% ABV) is available to purchase from the distillery’s website – www.porthillyspiritdistillery.com – priced at £39 for a 70cl bottle.

The distillery’s rum and vodka are also available to purchase on the website.

• Porthilly Spirit Cornish Vodka (40% ABV, 70cl RRP £39) is a vibrant, clean vodka created for mixing in cocktails or enjoying on its own. It has a creamy mouthfeel and a subtle anise aftertaste.
• Porthilly Spirit Golden Rum (40% ABV, 70cl RRP £39) has a light golden tone, and notes of vanilla, tobacco, and salt caramel.
• Porthilly Spirit Dark Rum (42% ABV, 70cl RRP £41) is then aged for one year in French oak Beaujolais casks. The result is a deep, brown tone, with rich notes of dried fruit, vanilla, tobacco, and salt caramel.

For more information, visit www.porthillyspiritdistillery.com.