“A Refreshingly Distinctive Taste of Cornwall” – Our expert reviews award-winning Trevethan Gin

Christopher Rogers, our Wine and Spirits Correspondent, checks out multi-award-winning Trevethan Original Cornish Dry Gin 

Like so many people before me, I’ve holidayed in Cornwall and—once you’ve finally negotiated the roads and traffic—always loved the out-of-the-way, almost wild atmosphere it exudes. Move beyond the busier tourist spots and you quickly fall into a different rhythm altogether: quiet lanes, open skies, and that distinct sense of ‘elsewhere’ that’s surprisingly rare in the UK. It’s a feeling that stays with you, and I think it’s one of the reasons people return year after year.

I found something of that same pull in this gin. Now, I should say from the outset that I’m not a huge gin drinker (as in I don’t drink much gin—not that I don’t drink huge gins, obviously). I tend to treat gin much like Champagne: something you have a glass of, enjoy, and then move on to the real business of a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc or a Chablis. But with Trevethan Original Cornish Dry Gin, I found myself—almost unconsciously—going back for a second glass each time. It made me wonder why.

It’s often said that alcohol, at its best, is an expression of place. This gin feels similar—rooted in its surroundings and shaped by them. Not in a heavy-handed or overly branded way, but with something more subtle and authentic – if you could bottle the essence of Cornwall, this would be it!

The recipe itself dates back to the 1920s, rediscovered and brought back to life by the family behind the distillery. There’s a quiet confidence to that—no need to overcomplicate things, just a clear understanding of what works. The family element is key here too, bringing the Gin to life in a way that doesn’t feel forced in what is, lets face it, a hugely swollen marketplace. I enjoyed the simplicity of it and the layered complexity of the use of the botanicals.

In terms of the taste, Trevethan Original Cornish Dry is reassuringly classic in many ways. Juniper leads the way, crisp and clean, before more soft citrus notes begin to open up—fresh lemon peel with a decent tang of orange. Then something a little more distinctive appears: a gentle floral lift and a soft sweetness that feels reminiscent of gorse or elderflower. I think its this layer of almost hedgerow flavour and complexity that is the real secret here and for me as a wine drinker, something that appealed to me on an almost subconscious level. Nothing jars; nothing feels out of place—it all just fits together in a way that feels considered rather than constructed.

In keeping with that spirit, I tried it with a range of garnishes. The two that worked best—really drawing out its complexity—were orange peel or a sprig of rosemary. It’s refreshing without being fleeting, with more than enough depth to keep your attention from first sip to last.

Ultimately, Trevethan Original Cornish Dry Gin feels a little like Cornwall itself: familiar and comforting, yet rewarding and quietly distinctive once you spend time with it. It doesn’t need to shout to make an impression—and that’s exactly why it does – and why, perhaps it’s impressed award judges, scoring a string of prestigious Gold Medals.

A gin worth seeking out, and one that’s very easy to come back to.

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Trevethan Original Cornish Dry Gin is available direct from the distillery online, and you’ll also find it through retailers including Waitrose Cellar and Sainsbury’s.

About the author

Christopher Rogers brings nearly 30 years of experience in the wine and spirits industry.

Based in Wales, Chris is a holder of the WSET Diploma and an Associate of the Institute of Wine and Spirits, Chris is also a graduate and winner of L’Academie de Champagne and a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne.

Chris is also the Founder of The Splendid Wine Agency,  which represents a number of international brands in the UK.