A toast to the Wild Horses of Cornwall
Given the prominence of the two steel sculptures which stand beside the Helix lift near Falkirk, Scotland, those who cruise our inland waterways might class this fortified tipple as ‘Narrow Boat’ rather than Navy Strength; but there’s no denying that almost anyone who enjoys London Dry would take comfort from a snort or two on a typically cold and wet Scottish winter’s day.
Hopefully though, boaties will not be confused to learn that home for this Kelpie is actually a good deal further south: with the Seahorse Distillery being located in Launceston, Cornwall. And although the makers are a little cagey about the dozen botanicals in their recipe, they do describe the finish as being a mix of juniper and pepper. Based on the business’s regular London Dry, we can be certain the blend will contain one or more citrus fruits and probably some coriander or orris root, but we were convinced there was a hint of the sea itself. Perhaps the Sugar Kelp which helps distinguish Sidmouth’s Seashore Gin, or Samphire which has cropped up in a number of coastal blends we’ve enjoyed, such as Curio Wild Coast Gin – another Cornish concoction.
And like the stalwart Brunel Gin which joined the ranks of our reviews a month or so back, we actually discovered Kelpie in the comfortable surroundings of the Boutique Gin Shack at Tavistock. The recommended serve is with ice and a slice of grapefruit as well as tonic, although we enjoyed ours with a chunk of orange instead.
