Beach Walk to Spirit Legacy

A story of a simple idea that fermented into a Cornish success story.

Rock Distillery began with a simple stroll along Rock beach, accompanied by a much-loved dog named Blue. What started as a conversation on the sand has since grown into a remarkable collection of spirits. Today, darling Blue has been succeeded by the ever-brilliant BluToo, and the distillery has expanded from one signature gin to an entire range spanning gins, rums, whiskies, vodkas and brandies.

The inspiration behind it all? A love of the perfect dry martini. Angie’s go-to drink led her and George to begin crafting their own gin. That story has now come full circle with the launch of Rock’s Very Special Extra Dry Vermouth, created to deliver the ultimate martini experience. Rock now boasts ten distinctive gins, each dry and sugar-free, designed to work beautifully in a martini. Pink Rock, Classic White and Mellow Yellow offer a full-bodied flavour ideal for a classic serve, while Cornish Gold creates the perfect Dirty Martini. Almond Air, meanwhile, provides a unique twist – dry on the palate but leaving a gentle sweetness of almonds on the finish. Of course, the vermouth-to-gin ratio remains a matter of personal preference.

To complement the gins in warmer months, Rock Distillery created Lemongino and Orangino – vibrant gin-based liqueurs that bring a burst of summer to any glass. Perfect over tonic or sparkling water, they also shine when topped with Champagne or Prosecco for something celebratory.

The rum collection has grown to fifteen expressions, each with its own character. At the refined end of the spectrum are True Taste – a 57% Navy Strength white rum – and Victory Dark, a glorious five-year-old aged in oak barrels. Sweeter varieties such as Tropics Mango and Passionfruit and Coconut Paradise make instant cocktails, while the latest addition, Cornish Rock Chocolate Orange, is rich, indulgent, and already a firm favourite.

In 2023, Rock Distillery launched its Cornish Rock Single Malt Whisky. Remarkably complex for a three-year-old spirit, it’s a whisky that holds its own when sipped neat or with just a splash of water to release its flavours. It also forms the base for three whisky liqueurs. Cornish Rock Peanut Whisky Liqueur is smooth and distinctive; delicious straight up, poured over ice cream, or stirred into coffee. For summer, the distillery offers a refreshing Whisky Sour made with fresh lemons and pink grapefruit, while the colder months call for Rock Whisky Warmer, infused with Cornish honey and ginger, a soothing dram whether taken medicinally or simply for pleasure.

Vodka is not forgotten. The original Cornish Rock Classic Vodka is cut with crystal-clear Cornish spring water and intended to be kept in the freezer, ready to serve chilled in a shot glass. It’s clean and smooth, the perfect base for further exploration. The Toffee Vodka Liqueur that followed has proved especially popular, combining the warmth of toffee with the purity of the spirit. This was followed by Cornish Rock Watermelon Vodka Liqueur and Pink Grapefruit Vodka Liqueur, both refreshing and unique when mixed with rosé Champagne or Prosecco.

The final chapter in Rock Distillery’s story so far is its brandy range. Cornish Rock Apple Brandy is double-distilled from Bramley apples and matured in oak, offering depth and complexity. 

Next came Cornish Rock Brandysnap, a decadent blend of caramelised honeycomb and rich caramel. Cornish Rock Orange Breeze followed, bringing together sweet and bitter oranges with smooth Cornish brandy and spring water. Cornish Rock Vanilla Delight lives up to its name, made from fresh vanilla pods, spring water and mellow brandy. Finally, Cornish Rock Apricot Fusion completes the liqueur range, a tantalising blend of whole apricot, smooth brandy and fresh Cornish water.

All of Rock Distillery’s creations are available to try in-store at one of their six tasting stations. In Cornwall, visitors are welcomed in Bude, Tintagel, Wadebridge and Padstow. Further afield, the shops in Dartmouth and Corsham offer the same indulgent experience. The full collection is also available online.

CORNISH ROCK GIN
Distillery and Shop
Unit 34-38 Clear Space
Dunveth Business Park
Wadebridge
PL27 7FE
07486 536220
info@rockgincornish.com
www.rockgincornish.com