Pentire, a dedicated non-alcoholic spirits brand, draws inspiration from the wild and rugged coastlines of Cornwall, down in the southwest of the UK. It’s a place I’m very fond of, for that very same natural landscape. So I’m intrigued by Pentire Seaward, how it uses that inspiration to craft a distinctive NA spirit.
Like all Pentire spirits, Seaward is vegan-friendly, gluten-free and made with natural ingredients with an emphasis on sustainability, so its an inclusive choice for both health-conscious and environmentally aware drinkers.
Appearance
The appearance of Pentire Seaward is minimalist yet elegant. The liquid itself is crystal-clear, reflecting purity and simplicity. So there’s no hint of that slight colouration or viscosity you sometimes get with premium spirits, but it’s a look that reflects clear skies and a flat ocean.
Aroma
On the nose, this non-alcoholic spirit is pretty invigorating. First up is a medley of citrus and herbs. I get grapefruit and orange zest balanced by subtle undertones of sage, sea rosemary and thyme. They have somehow managed to weave a very slight saline note through the bouquet, adding a unique and intriguing complexity to the aroma. It might not be to everyone’s taste, but that may just be because it’s unexpected. Once you get over the surprise, it’s really quite pleasing in its difference.
Taste
That salinity is there on the palate, but very much in the supporting role, so it doesn’t overwhelm anything and stays intriguing rather than forcing itself to the front of the queue. The citrus notes are the star of the show, with that grapefruit and orange zest providing a tangy brightness. The herbal notes add depth, and the whole gamut makes for a substantial sense of sophisticated spirit drinking. It might be a touch light compared to alcoholic spirits, but it makes up for it in finesse.
Mouthfeel
Pentire Seaward delivers a clean and crisp mouthfeel. As mentioned, there is little of a typical spirit’s lingering viscosity, so the texture is smooth. You don’t get that sense of warmth from it, but it is still satisfyingly full-bodied in terms of mouthfeel. It’s particularly pleasant when simply mixed with tonic.
Finish
The finish of this non-alcoholic spirit is quite short. That crispness and clean sense one gets on the nose and palate feeds through into the finish, so there is not a great deal of lingering. You do get a subtle herbal echo after swallowing, and possibly a hint of the salinity, but generally it’s an understated finish.
Pairing Suggestions
Pentire Seaward has such a distinctive flavour that it holds up well on it’s own in the glass. It also makes for a great longer drink with some ice, tonic and a twist of lemon or orange peel. You could perhaps also serve it with a sprig of rosemary in the glass, as much for heightened aroma as for taste. You could serve it alongside a citrus-based salad or ceviche if you must, but I’d recommend enjoying it as a standalone drink.
Overall Impressions of Pentire Seaward
Pentire Seaward is an intriguing drink. Whether it’s because I’m familiar with the landscape and/or want it to be so, it is evocative of its Cornish roots. The touch of salinity makes it stand out from competitors, but not in a gimmicky way. There is still plenty of fruit and herbal flavours combining to make for a most satisfying mouthful. Potential to become a new classic, perhaps?