Craft Gin Club: April 2016: Tarquin's Handcrafted Cornish Gin: Rosemary & Thyme

We got a gorgeous Limited Edition gin from Tarquin's (Rosemary & Thyme) in our Craft Gin Club subscription box this month. I'm already a huge fan of the original having first tried it via The Ginvent Advent Calendar in 2014 and several bottles later I'd say it's one of my favourite gins.  This limited edition has the addition of Rosemary & Thyme.

 Inside the box this month:

A Limited Edition Bottle of Tarquin's Rosemary & Thyme Gin (made especially for club members!)

A bottle of Cornish Orchard Elderflower Presse

Buttermilk Cornish Fudge

Cornish Sea Salt

Tarquin's Gin Coaster

A copy of super informative Ginned! magazine

Remember you can get £10 off your first box with code BEAUTYBALM at checkout. Find out more HERE.  

A Birthday Swap

It's now become tradition that my good pal Julie and I do a birthday (and Christmas) swap. You can see what she gave me last year at my birthday here. We met on Monday and spent a lovely day having lunch at The Murrayfield Hotel, sitting outside enjoying the sunshine, each others company, a few bottles of wine and lots of unwrapping (naughty for me considering today's the day!) 

She totally spoiled me - too much to put in one photo and I don't think I'll need to buy any beauty again this year (or ever haha).

Abahna Travel set in Frangipani & Orange Blossom which is my favourite Abahna scent (shower gel, body lotion, soap, hand cream, mini mirror and wash bag) and a hand wash in the same scent. I've not had these in my stash for ages. The travel kit is so handy for weekends away and holidays. See my review of the minis here.

My favourite Shay & Blue fragrance Salt Carmel. All I can say is WOW. Thanks so much Julie. See my review here.

By Terry Rose Balm Tinted Lip Glosses - these are gorgeous. Looking forward to trying them out! I've tried the pale pink so far. Pretty glossy shade with a hint of rose. Love!  Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers - I've wanted to try these cult beauties for ages!  Love Korres body products and tinted lip balms so looking forward to trying their mascara.

Nip+Fab Multi-Fix Oil - I've not tried much from this brand so looking forward to trying. Two Cowshed bath & shower gels in Moody Cow & Lazy Cow. Huge fan of the brand and always looking for nice shower gels - thanks Julie!

Park's Aromatherapy Candle with Frangipani, Rose, Freesia and Lily. This smells gorgeous and I'm looking forward to burning it.

A lovely quirky tin tray and coaster. Made me smile!

Lots of beautiful stationery items - these always make my heart sing!  As well as a colouring in book - bliss!

Yummy edibles - The Marshmallow Lady Prosecco & Rose Petals Mallows (these are my all time favourites), a half bottle of the gin I discovered I loved after trying it in the Ginvent Advent Calendar, Tarquins Handcrafted Cornish Gin, Belgian Chocolate Praline Egglets, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups (nom), a lovely little chocolate bunny, eggs & Rose & Violet Creams!

She also gave me this!

I'll take you through the contents in another post!  I was well and truly spoiled! Thanks so much once again Julie!

December: Lately I've been Loving

I received a very lovely present from Bee Good which featured in my November post last month. This very special little handcrafted bee* found its home among the flowers!

Hubby gave me not one but TWO Jo Malone gifts for Christmas! Always a super-luxe treat and something I'd never buy for myself. Reviews will follow once I've tried them out. 

I hated having flu before Christmas (I missed out on my work Christmas party boo!) I found A.Vogel products really helped me out! Taking the Echinaforce drops* and especially the hot drink* with Black Elderberry (with a drop of honey) helped ease my aching limbs, fluey shivers and headaches. Highly recommend if you are feeling poorly!

I really enjoyed my alternative Ginvent advent calendar this year - you can see my thoughts on the first six days here. Hubby also got me a bottle of Tarquin's Handcrafted Cornish Gin for Christmas. It was one of my favourites and featured on day 4. Absolutely love the unique bottle too!

I couldn't not mention my beautiful Rose Hamper which I received from my friend Nardine at Christmas. She knows me so well and love that everything was picked knowing I'd love it.

Just before Christmas I received a copy of Cult Perfumes* by Tessa Williams. I've been enjoying leisurely afternoons browsing through it. A full review to follow shortly. Check out Tessa's beautiful Elements Perfumed Candles here. I'm tempted by FIRE which is a woody incense scent with coconut, sweet vanilla caramel, patchouli, vetivert, lapsang souchong, musk and tonka with smokey woods.

What have you been loving this month?

*PR samples

The Ginvent Advent Calendar - the first 6 days

I am really enjoying my alternative Advent Calendar this year.  Here's my thoughts on the first six days.

Day One: Edinburgh Gin (43% ABV) this award winning gin is distilled in Edinburgh and the botanicals used are Scottish Juniper, Pine, Heather and Milk Thistle.  Really tasty with Juniper and soft heather notes.  It makes a perfect G&T. One of my favourites.

Day 2: Filliers Dry Gin 28 (46% ABV) - I've not tried this gin before. It is made using 28 botanicals plus Juniper. It has quite a citrus taste with light Juniper notes.  

Day 3: Hayman's Old Tom Gin (40% ABV) - this has been my least favourite so far. It has a slightly sweet taste which I didn't really like. It is made with botanicals of Juniper and Liquorice root.

Day 4: Tarquins Handcrafted Cornish Gin (42% ABV) WOW this gin is amazing. I love its slightly floral notes of Devon violets and orange blossom with a fresh flavour. Delicious served neat too.  An extra special gin. (dropping hints to Santa!)

Day 5: Perry's Tot Navy Strength Gin (57% ABV) - this gin surely packs a punch! With botanicals such as Juniper, Cinnamon, Cardamon, Star Anise, Lemon, Orange and Grapefruit.  An interesting addition is Wild Flower Honey. It is absolutely delicious served over ice...and I absolutely love it!

Day 6: Two Birds Gin (40% ABV) - made using Juniper and four countryside botanicals. It tastes delicious and is refreshing and flavoursome.  It makes a perfect G&T.

Well from the first six days I'd buy: Edinburgh Gin (already a favourite), Tarquins Handcrafted Cornish Gin, Perry's Tot and Two Birds.

Have you tried any of these gins before?