Tarquin’s Gin School – A Distilling Masterclass

In Cornwall we are blessed with a vast array of locally produced gins, all offering something unique to tantalise the tastebuds. One of the region’s most popular tipples is Tarquin’s Gin – distilled right here in Cornwall.

We were lucky enough to be invited to Tarquin’s Distilling Masterclass at their St Ives Gin School. It was a truly unforgettable day.

If you’re looking for a holiday experience like no other, we highly recommend a trip.

Tarquin’s Gin School | Beginnings to now

Tarquin’s Gin was founded in 2012 by 24-year-old Tarquin Leadbetter, a surfer and Cornish native.  At the time, Tarquin was attending Cordon Bleur Cookery School in Paris where he fine-tuned his pallet.

He chose to quit his day job and head back to the UK, where he spent the morning surfing and the afternoon distilling. Tarquin’s ambition to create gin quickly became an encompassing vision.

After many combinations in his 0.7 litre copper pot and a lot of gin tasting, Tarquin’s Gin was created! 12 carefully selected ingredients sourced from around the world, as well as Cornish violets from his Aunt’s Garden, make up the precise recipe.

In 2014 he opened the first Cornish distillery in 100 years, and began making 1,000 bottles of gin a day. Now a decade later, the company has grown immensely (as has the demand for gin) with the distillery making 6,000 bottles a day!

What can you expect from Tarquin’s Gin School?

Well other than a great couple of hours enjoying some of Tarquin’s best-served gins, you can also expect a unique hands-on experience into the gin distilling process.

Fran and Sophie, the hosts of St Ives Tarquin’s Gin School give an introduction into Tarquin’s process and experiments. Taking you through each step of the distilling process, they help each attendee create a 70cl custom made gin to take home.

They explore an array of botanicals – local and exotic. Helping you choose flavours for your very own one-of-a-kind gin. And then finishing the process with a custom label, wax seal and your individual gin tasting notes.

Who can attend?

Tarquin’s Gin School is available to anyone over the age of 18.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a romantic morning for two, a celebration with family and friends or an experience to mark a milestone birthday, the Tarquin’s team are fantastic hosts.

Where can you enjoy a Tarquin’s gin experience?

Tarquin’s Gin has two locations to enjoy a distilling masterclass – St Ives and Padstow.

Tour days and times vary throughout the season. Visit their website to find out more.

How long does the distilling masterclass last?

 The gin school lasts about 2-2.5 hours.

What does the experience include?

• Two of Tarquin’s best-served tipples
• Gin tasters
• A 70cl gin to take home
• Introduction into the distilling process
• Botanicals to make your own carefully curated gin
• Label and wax seal with your own individual tasting notes

Holiday Cottages in St Ives

Has the thought of Cornish gin got you longing for a holiday in Cornwall?

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a Tarquin’s Gin School experience in St Ives or a sunset tipple on Porthminster beach, having a holiday property close by to retire to is a must.

Choose from holiday apartments overlooking the sea to lavish luxury properties with a hot tub. We boast an enviable collection of St Ives holiday cottages that are simply perfect for any Cornish getaway.

Book a St Ives Holiday Cottage