Founded by self-taught master Distiller, Tarquin Leadbetter, Southwestern Distillery is proudly Cornwall’s original, independent, family-run distillery.
Tarquin’s champion the most traditional techniques alongside progressively modern approaches in all they do. Established back in 2012, they are underpinned by an ethos of creative expression and innovation, all their gins celebrate of their Cornish heritage and their desire to share their craft.
The beating hearts of their distillery are Tarquin’s three 250 litre, flame-fired copper pot stills – Tamara, Senara & Tressa. The newest addition to the team is Ferarra – a state of the art, one-of-a-kind 500 litre copper still. Tarquin finely tunes and orchestrates the unique personalities of each still to create his internationally award-winning spirits. Post distillation, they proudly ensure that every award-winning bottle that leaves the distillery has been lovingly filled, waxed and stamped by hand for you to enjoy. Yeghes Da!
A unique hands-on experience where you get to make your very own one-of-a-kind bottle of gin to take home.
Tarquin set up the distillery almost a decade ago now with the dream of distilling a few bottles in the morning then going surfing in the afternoon. With his new Gin Schools that is now a reality for everyone! They even share a few trade secrets in their masterclasses!
Over the course of a year and hundreds of experiments, Tarquin created his first bottle of Tarquin’s Cornish Gin on a tiny copper pot still in his kitchen at home, a humble start for a distillery that has won World’s Best Gin at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Now it’s your turn!
Tarquin’s are looking forward to sharing their original process and experience with you; you’ll be able to pick your own selection of botanicals, fire up your own copper pot still and go through the exact same process Tarquin did over the course of a year, in a couple of hours! They cannot wait to see what you create!
Experience the tantalising Tarquin’s Distilling Masterclass at the Padstow Gin School – 10 minutes from the Distillery, the harbour town of Padstow is their home and one of the most spectacular places to eat and drink in Cornwall, the gin school and shop is set back just behind the harbour.
THE TARQUIN’S GIN SCHOOL – DISTILLING MASTERCLASS INCLUDES:
Over 18s only. Please get in touch if you have any access requirements.
A soft drink option will be made available on arrival for those not drinking
1 person per booking – 1 person per still
Admission: £85.00 per person
Click the link to their website to find out more and book your Gin School!