Dorset Cruises has just hosted the UK’s first ever artisan gin cruise and oh buoy, is it going to float your boat. Laura Mills takes the helm.

We arrived in Poole Quay on a glorious Friday evening, and after spotting the Dorset Queen, a 1938 vintage motor yacht, we couldn’t wait to jump on and start sampling the vast array of artisan gins on board.

We embarked on our three hour leisurely cruise at 7pm with the sun still shining and spirits high (quite literally), and made our way straight to the bar to meet our lovely barmaids, Helen and Jade, for the evening.

With a total of 13 different artisan gins, a luxury cocktail menu and a variety of different Double Dutch tonics on board, it was hard to know where to start.

The back bar was far from what you might be used to in the likes of your local watering hole.

However, it was recommended that I give Pinkster Gin a try for my first tipple. And not one to argue with a lady with a bottle of gin in her hand, I obliged.

Distilled in small batches near Cambridge, Pinkster is a premium gin infused with fresh raspberries. It was voted Best Contemporary Gin at The Gin Guide Awards 2017 – I was in safe hands.

Each gin is accompanied by the ‘perfect serve’. For the Pinkster, a cranberry tonic and a raspberry and mint garnish was presented in a large glass with lots of ice.

My drinking buddie, erm… I mean guest, chose the 6 O’Clock gin by Bramley & Gage – a classic London Dry Gin served with watermelon and cucumber tonic with a watermelon and lemon garnish, it was wonderfully refreshing.

Gin inspired canapes, supplied by Deli on the Quay, were also on offer. There was a good selection of fish, meat and vegetarian options including a delicious creamed smoked salmon on toast, although I would recommend eating dinner before you board.

I sampled Black Tomato Gin next with an ordinary tonic and a basil garnish. While I generally prefer my tomatoes on a pizza and my gin with a slice of orange, this spirit was a total gem.

Distilled in the Netherlands with home-grown black tomatoes and a splash of fresh salt water, it paired perfectly with seafood – an apt beverage for a sea cruise.

While it’s easy to let the gin steal the limelight here, the setting itself was the critically acclaimed co-star of the cruise.

Sampling gins in such a picturesque setting was the epitome of bliss. Gin on my left, and on my right the spectacular views of Brownsea Castle, Sandbanks’ ‘Millionaires’ Row’ and the islands of Poole Harbour.

As dusk rolled in, we made our way up to the top deck to share a drink with Old Harry and enjoy the sun setting behind the iconic landmark.

The boat is licensed to carry 100 people but with 44 on board there was more than enough seats and room to walk around which ensured a comfortable and exclusive evening for all.

And a big thumbs up here to the boat’s runner Sebby who did a sterling job of making sure every bar was fully-equipped.

With the helping hand of a few gins, it wasn’t long before the rosy-cheeked guests started mingling, chatting and laughing together. Atmosphere was of that of a friendly pub, and it was time for another drink.

We were next introduced to Poetic License gin. I kept hearing whispers of strawberries and cream, so enquired excitedly and was handed Poetic License’s Picnic Gin served with an original tonic and fresh strawberries. Low and behold, people had been talking about gin, not pudding!

Luckily my sweet tooth was satisfied. This wonderful concoction tasted exactly as described – sweet strawberries with a creamy hit. Don’t believe me? You’ll have to give it a go and try it for yourself. It was delightful.

On the other end of the spectrum was my friend’s drink.

She opted for the Old Tom Gin by Poetic License. Not a big fan of tonic the barmaids recommended she try ginger beer as her mixer and she was not disappointed.

We were well on our merry way by now, but still had enough sea legs about us to try a cocktail.

Our on board mixologist, Gatis, asked us a range of questions on our tastes before whipping us up a cocktail. For me it was a Blueberry Sour with Brighton Gin while my friend went for a Watermelon Cooler with Dorset’s very own Conker Gin.

Thanks to our very different tastes when it comes to a G&T, both of us pretty much managed to sample all the gins on the menu. A triumph for our taste buds, albeit maybe a challenge for our livers.

However, our valuable research definitely proved there was something for everyone.

With gin a plenty, plus a fully stocked cash bar on board should you fancy something else, the UK’s first artisan gin cruise truly set sail for all. A great atmosphere, beautiful scenery and did I mention the gin?

For details of prices, upcoming dates and available packages go to dorsetcruises.co.uk