Salcombe Start Point Gin
Salcombe Start Point Gin is a vibrant, “liquid sunshine” London Dry that balances a bright red grapefruit citrus core with piney juniper and a sophisticated, warming finish of cardamom
Type
Country
Producer
Featured Flavours
Alcohol %
44%
Serving Size
- 25ml
Suggested with
In Cocktails
Salcombe Start Point Gin
Salcombe Start Point Gin is a quintessential London Dry gin that serves as the flagship of the Salcombe Distilling Co. range. Named after the iconic Start Point lighthouse that guided the Salcombe Fruiters home, this spirit is a masterclass in balance, leaning heavily into the bright, “liquid sunshine” citrus notes that the brand is famous for.
The First Impression (The Nose)
The aroma is exceptionally clean and uplifting, led by a vibrant, “fresh-peeled” citrus character. You are immediately greeted by the zesty notes of red grapefruit, lemon, and lime, which feel bright and juicy rather than artificial. Beneath this citrus canopy lies the classic, resinous scent of Macedonian juniper, followed by a delicate, spicy warmth from cardamom and coriander seed. It is an inviting, breezy bouquet that mimics the sensation of a crisp morning on the Devon coast.
The Body (The Palate)
On the palate, Start Point is incredibly smooth and elegantly structured, with a rich, “oily” mouthfeel that is a hallmark of high-quality copper pot distillation. The flavor begins with the sweetness of fresh citrus peel, which quickly gives way to a complex, earthy middle. The juniper provides a firm, piney backbone, while cubeb berries and liquorice root add a subtle, peppery depth and a hint of sweetness. There is a faint floral undertone—reminiscent of the wild herbs found along the South West Coast Path—that keeps the spirit feeling light and sophisticated.
The Lingering Note (The Finish)
The finish is exceptionally long and warming, leaving a clean, dry sensation on the tongue. As the citrus notes fade, they leave behind a trail of subtle spice and the cooling, resinous essence of the juniper. There is a final, lingering hint of warm cardamom and black pepper that provides a sophisticated “glow” rather than a harsh burn. When mixed with a premium tonic, the citrus oils emulsify beautifully, creating a creamy, refreshing drink that remains balanced from the first sip to the last.
The history of Salcombe Gin “Start Point” is a tribute to both a famous coastal landmark and the legendary trade ships that once made the town of Salcombe famous across the globe.
The Beacon and the Beginning
The gin is named after the Start Point Lighthouse, a 19th-century beacon built on one of the most exposed peninsulas in England. For the founders, Angus Lugsdin and Howard Davies, the name has a dual meaning:
The Landmark: It was the crucial navigational marker that guided the Salcombe Fruiters—fast, copper-bottomed schooners—back into the safety of the harbor after long voyages across the Atlantic.
The Milestone: Launched in 2016, this was the distillery’s first-ever gin, representing their own “starting point” in the world of craft spirits.
The “Fruiter” Connection
The recipe itself is a liquid archive of the town’s history. During the 19th century, Salcombe was the center of a thriving fruit trade, with schooners racing back from the Azores and the Mediterranean carrying perishable cargoes of citrus fruits, herbs, and exotic spices.
Inspiration: The distillers worked with historians to map out the original trade routes of these ships, sourcing their botanicals (like red grapefruit and Macedonian juniper) from the very same regions the Fruiters once visited.
The Still: Even the equipment has a story. Their 450-litre copper pot still is named “Provident,” after the historic Brixham sailing trawler that was the founding vessel of the sailing club where the two founders first met as instructors.
Modern Accolades
Since its launch, “Start Point” has become one of the most decorated gins in the industry. Within its first year, it secured a Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Gold at the World Gin Awards. Today, it remains the anchor of the Salcombe range, continuing the legacy of the town’s maritime excellence in every bottle.
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Salcombe Distilling Co. is an ultra-premium spirits brand based in the heart of South Devon, born from a shared love of sailing and the sea. Founded in 2014 by Angus Lugsdin and Howard Davies—who met as sailing instructors on the very waters where their distillery now sits—the brand is defined by a “no-compromise” approach to quality. Operating out of a converted traditional boat-building shed on the water’s edge, they produce world-class gins and non-alcoholic spirits using the traditional “one-shot” distillation method and pure, soft water sourced from the heights of Dartmoor National Park. Their flagship spirits, such as the citrus-led “Start Point” and the dry “Rosé Sainte Marie,” have quickly earned them a reputation as one of the world’s leading luxury gin producers.
The brand’s identity is deeply intertwined with the 19th-century maritime history of its hometown. They draw inspiration from the “Salcombe Fruiters”—legendarily fast schooners that raced across the Atlantic to bring exotic fruits and spices back to England. This heritage is reflected in everything from their botanical choices to their iconic “gin pennant” label, a traditional signal of hospitality among sailors. Beyond the bottle, Salcombe Distilling Co. is a pioneer in the “mindful drinking” movement and environmental conservation. Through their “1% for the Ocean” initiative, they donate a portion of all sales to the Marine Conservation Society, ensuring that the coastal environments that inspire their craft are protected and regenerated for the future.
