Brewer and distiller partner for hop-flavoured gin

Cornish drinks producers Sharp’s Brewery and Tarquin’s gin have collaborated to produce limited edition hop-flavoured gin, The Hopster.

Made using three types of hops, Crystal, Cascade and Pilot, the gin has been distilled in ‘Tamara’, Southwestern Distillery’s flame-fired copper still.

Less than 300 bottles of the 42.0% abv gin have been produced, presented in a custom bottle design in the Sharp’s Brewery dark blue branding.

“We’re delighted to have partnered with Tarquin’s gin to produce this hugely exciting product,” said Ed Hughes, beer sommelier at Sharp’s Brewery.

“The infusion of hops and gin is a unique combination, and it is the first collaboration of its kind for both Sharp’s and Tarquin’s.

“With Tarquin’s Gin, we’ve created an exquisite gin that pays homage to beer drinkers and is incredibly smooth and aromatic. The exceptional blend of traditional dry gin complements the distinctive hoppy notes that you would normally expect from an ale.”

Head distiller, Tarquin Leadbetter added: “Collaborating with Sharp’s Brewery to produce The Hopster has been epic.

“Ed and the team expertly selected three fantastic hop varieties to help create the perfect complement to our gin. Intense, aromatic and beautifully complex, the result is even better than we were expecting.”

The Hopster is available now on the bar at The Mariners Public House in Rock, Cornwall, with bottles also available from the Sharp’s Brewery brick and mortar and online shop.