Trevethan Chauffeur’s Reserve Cornish Gin – Parker would approve –
From so cool Scott to stammering Brains and aquanaut Alan, Thunderbirds had a host of brilliant characters, but Lady Penelope’s dodgy driver, Parker was always one of my favourites; and I think he would have approved of Trevethan Chauffeur’s Reserve Cornish Gin – as long as he didn’t need to take the pink Rolls Royce out anywhere.
That’s because this infusion of gorse flowers and other botanicals from the south-west peninsula provides a sophisticated flavour to disguise what is really a bit of a back street bruiser: coming in at a regulation 57%ABV in the tradition of Navy strength servings. Basically, I believe Chauffeur’s Reserve has got the wherewithal to appeal to most palates; while the bottle’s classy lines and dark, headstone-style label stood out for me on my most recent inspection of the bar stock at Bovey Tracey’s Dartmoor Whisky Distillery.
On the recommendation of co-founder Simon, I stuck with a simple slice of lime and a good splash of Fever Tree Indian Tonic to let the Trevethan Distillery’s creation demonstrate its depths: with plenty of power as well as nice refinements.
“The name recalls Norman’s early career as a chauffeur to Earl and Lady St Germans”
According to the family firm which produces Parker’s Pick and other less lethal strength gins, the recipe dates back to the 1920s when Norman Trevethan began the handcrafting tradition. They describe the botanicals as a mix of common ingredients including juniper, coriander, cassia and angelica, along with more unusual additions like cardamom and vanilla. The last one contributing to the smoothness of the ride. The gorse flowers and Cornish Elderflowers are picked from the hedgerows of Trewonnard Dairy Farm while the water is taken straight from a spring, avoiding the need for any mineral treatment.
Oh and the name recalls Norman’s early career as a chauffeur to Earl and Lady St Germans, often driving them to society functions – so he could well have run into Bertie Wooster or Jeeves who helped us convey the joys of Finton’s Gin in an earlier blog.
Finally, on a note of caution, if you’re going to have more than one, I’d avoid getting behind the wheel of a car or operating heavy machinery: especially anything that you’d find tucked away in one of the pods dispatched by Thunderbird Two.
