Tarquin's Cornish Pastis (70cl, 42%)

Tarquin's Cornish Pastis is an aniseed spirit made in Cornwall, in the south-west of England, by Southwestern Distillery. Pastis began in France as an anise-flavoured drink that arose after the ban on absinthe, and this bottle is a Cornish take on the style. It is usually served with water or alongside it. Because the oils do not dissolve in water, the spirit turns from clear to a milky white, much as raki or ouzo do. On the nose it is big, with black liquorice to the fore, opening into citrus and green notes. The palate is sweet fennel seed and liquorice, peppery and spicy, creamy yet dry, with a long finish.