Dr Squid Gin
Dr Squid Gin pairs bright citrus and warm juniper with a savoury, salty edge from squid ink, and turns from inky black to vivid pink when mixed with tonic.
Type
Country
Producer
Featured Flavours
Alcohol %
40%
Serving Size
- 25ml
Suggested with
In Cocktails
Dr Squid Gin
Pouring like fluid midnight, Dr Squid Gin immediately captivates before the glass even meets your lips. On the palate, it glides with a surprisingly luxurious, velvety texture that unfolds in distinct, mesmerizing waves. The opening spark is electrifyingly bright—a sudden burst of sun-ripened lemon zest and the sharp, wild tang of coastal sea buckthorn.
As the liquid warms, that initial citrus punch melts into a lush, layered mid-palate where pine-forward juniper and sweet, honeyed meadowsweet are gently wrapped in the comforting warmth of rich vanilla. Then comes the sea’s subtle magic: a whisper of real squid ink drifts across the tongue, imparting a velvety mouthfeel and a delicate, umami-rich salinity that anchors the floral sweetness. It is a breathtaking study in contrasts—sweet yet savoury, bright yet dark, capturing the untamed, dramatic beauty of the Cornish coast in every drop.
Layered Sensory Breakdown
The Nose: Highly aromatic and fresh. Vibrant citrus oils and honeyed spring blossoms float over a crisp background of crushed juniper, underlaid by a subtle hint of briny sea air.
The Attack: Rich and coating. The initial touch brings a lively, palate-cleansing pop of tart sea buckthorn and zesty lemon, instantly awakening the tastebuds.
The Mid-Palate: Creamy and complex. Warm vanilla and resinous juniper smooth out the sharp acidity, while the squid ink lends a deeply subtle, savory depth and a luxurious weight to the spirit.
The Finish: Long, clean, and remarkably balanced. It leaves a delicate sea-salt sparkle on the lips alongside lingering notes of sweet pine, herbal meadowsweet, and warm citrus rind.
Dr Squid Gin comes from Pocketful of Stones, a Cornish distillery in Long Rock near Penzance, founded by four friends — Shaun Bebington, Balazs Schieber, Paul Motley, and Mike Cunliffe — who left London bar jobs to set up shop in Cornwall. Dr Squid itself took roughly three years to perfect, from spring 2018 to launch, with the team joking about “14 failed batches, 2 serious explosions” along the way before landing on the final squid-ink recipe crafted in Penzance.
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The story of Pocketful of Stones began in the bustling heart of central London, born from a shared love of great hospitality and exceptional spirits. Founder Shaun Bebington, a surf-loving South African native, was running The Lukin, an eclectic pub in Fitzrovia, alongside his friend Balazs Schieber, a talented chef from Budapest. Intrigued by the art of distillation, Balazs swapped his chef’s knives for botanicals, hydrometers, and copper stills right in the pub’s basement cellar. Joined by partners Paul Motley and Mike Cunliffe, the team experimented endlessly until they perfected their inaugural Caspyn Dry Gin, officially giving life to the distillery.
Despite their success in the capital, the lure of the ocean and a coastal lifestyle proved irresistible. Driven by Shaun’s passion for surfing and a desire to craft drinks inspired by nature, the quartet relocated their operation to Long Rock, near Penzance, in 2016. Settling on the rugged Cornish coastline provided a brand new palette of wild landscapes and sea breezes to draw from. Surrounded by rich local folklore and dramatic seascapes, Pocketful of Stones transformed from an ambitious London basement project into a proudly Cornish, small-batch craft distillery.
Today, Pocketful of Stones is celebrated for its inventive approach that continually pushes the boundaries of traditional distilling. From their signature classic gins to bold creations like Dr Squid Gin—an eye-catching spirit infused with real squid ink that transforms from jet black to vivid pink when mixed with tonic—every bottle reflects their playful, creative ethos. Housed in distinct apothecary-style copper flasks that celebrate their artisanal roots, these exceptional spirits are a natural fit for our curated collection at the Penventon, bringing a true taste of Cornwall’s coastal soul straight to your glass.
