Salcombe Gin Start Point arrives from Salcombe Distilling Co., a distillery that has earned a quietly formidable reputation among those who pay close attention to the craft end of the British gin market. Categorised here as a Plymouth-style gin, Start Point sits at 44% ABV — a measured strength that signals intent without tipping into the territory of Navy Strength. At £42, it occupies a competitive position in the premium bracket, and on the evidence of what is in the bottle, it earns its place there.
Botanical Composition & Style
The botanical bill is considered and well-balanced, built on a foundation of juniper, coriander seed, and angelica root — the holy trinity of classical gin distillation. Where Start Point begins to distinguish itself is in its citrus trio of lemon peel, lime peel, and pink grapefruit peel. That threefold citrus approach suggests a gin that leans towards brightness and freshness without abandoning its juniper backbone. The inclusion of cubeb berries adds a layer of spiced complexity that I find particularly welcome; cubeb delivers a peppery warmth with a faintly floral undertone that bridges the gap between the citrus and the deeper, earthier notes.
Cardamom and Macedonian chamomile round out the more distinctive end of the recipe. Cardamom is a botanical I have seen deployed with varying degrees of success — when handled with restraint, it contributes an aromatic lift that elevates the entire spirit. Macedonian chamomile is a less common choice and speaks to the distillery's willingness to look beyond the conventional botanical catalogue. It is an ingredient I associate with softness and a gentle herbaceous quality, which should temper any sharpness from the citrus elements. Orris root, serving its traditional role as a fixative, ties these disparate elements together and lends the spirit a cohesive, rounded character.
Category & Positioning
Within the broader Plymouth-style category, Start Point represents a modern interpretation — one that respects the emphasis on smoothness and balanced citrus that defines the style, while incorporating a more adventurous botanical palette than purists might expect. It is this balance between tradition and contemporary craft that I find most compelling about the gin.
Best Served
I would reach for Start Point in a classic G&T with Fever-Tree Indian Tonic and a wheel of pink grapefruit to echo that citrus trio. It also has the structure and botanical complexity to hold its own in a Martini — stirred, dry, with a lemon twist. For those inclined towards a Negroni, the spiced warmth from the cubeb and cardamom should stand up admirably against Campari's bitterness.
At 8.5 out of 10, Salcombe Gin Start Point is a thoroughly accomplished spirit. It demonstrates the kind of distilling confidence that comes from knowing exactly what you want a gin to be, and then executing it with precision. A serious contender in any well-stocked gin collection.
