Dorset Cruises starts its season of Gin Cruises again this month and spaces are already filling quickly.

The Artisan Gin Tasting Cruise was first launched in 2017, becoming national news as the first of its kind in the UK and in 2018 I was lucky enough to go aboard and experience this amazing event first hand.

Prior to walking up the gangway of the vintage motor yacht, a feeling of nostalgia washed over me and this was only amplified when the owner told me a bit of Dorset Queen's rich history.

She was originally built in 1938 and was requisitioned by The Royal Navy in World War II to take part in the war efforts. She is believed to have been a volunteer boat used in the Dunkirk rescue missions and had recently been recognised by being added to the The National Historic Ships Register.

After checking my name off the guest list, one of the 1930’s attired crew handed me a Gin Menu and three Gin Tokens.

I was told that I could exchange these for any of the 15 offerings in my menu, or I could talk to the gin guide on board if I wanted to try something a little more off piste.

This cruise is only available to 50 guests twice a month throughout the summer and it certainly creates an exclusive, fun vibe on board.

Below decks I’m introduced to the Guest Distiller of the month and her CollaGin, (which I’d seen on TV only the week before winning investment on Dragons' Den).

This pink gin is then served to me in a large Copa glass, with a cranberry & ginger tonic and, finally, garnished with pink rose petals.

I made my way past the four VIP tables in the main saloon and found myself a nice little spot on the enclosed aft deck.

Chatting to the couple beside me, I was interested to learn that they had come down from London to attend, having also been aboard the previous year.

The aft deck also has its very own gin bar and gave me a chance to speak to the server about some of her personal recommendations from the menu.

She advised me to try a local Conker Dorset Gin paired with a pomegranate & basil tonic and I wasn’t disappointed.

As we cruised past Brownsea Castle the sun was setting over the Purbeck Hills and the photo opportunities were plentiful.

Canapés were also walked around the boat and this added to the overall experience of flavours on offer.

Although this is a gin themed cruise, the Dorset Queen is stocked with everything from local draught ale to regional wines and I decided to try something different with my last token.

A Dorset Black Cow vodka served with a watermelon & cucumber tonic was the perfect summer drink and sitting on the open top deck to enjoy it, I could have mistakenly thought I was cruising in the south of France.

Dorset Cruises have 20 gins to choose from so I will certainly be back this year to try some more.

And if gin is not your tipple of choice, fear not, as Dorset Cruises also offers an array of other events available such as; Afternoon High Tea, Wareham Brunch, Wine Tasting, Live Jazz, Champagne & Oysters and Craft Ale Masterclasses as well as being available to charter privately.

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dorsetcruises.co.uk