Sheringham Seaside Gin Review: Flavor, Botanicals, and Where to Buy It

Sheringham Seaside Gin comes from Vancouver Island, made in a small coastal distillery that leans into local flavor—literally. It uses winged kelp harvested from nearby waters, along with classic botanicals like juniper, citrus, and lavender. In 2019, it was named the World’s Best Contemporary Gin, which set off a wave of attention for what had been a quiet, regional spirit.

So what’s it actually like to drink? Let’s break it down—flavor, ingredients, and where to find a bottle.

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What Is Sheringham Seaside Gin?

Sheringham Seaside Gin is the flagship spirit from Sheringham Distillery, located in Sooke on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It’s classified as a contemporary-style gin, meaning it doesn’t rely solely on juniper to define its character.

Instead, it blends traditional botanicals with regional ones—most notably, winged kelp—for a softer, more aromatic profile. The gin sits at 43% ABV and is designed to reflect the coastal surroundings it comes from: cool, clean, and quietly complex.

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What Makes It Different from Other Gins?

Sheringham Seaside Gin stands out by using ingredients that reflect its place of origin, not just a standard recipe. The use of winged kelp, harvested from the waters off Vancouver Island, gives the gin a gentle marine salinity that’s rare but not overpowering.

Rather than chasing bold spice or extreme citrus, it stays restrained—balancing florals, herbs, and a mineral finish. That quiet precision is what separates it from louder, more one-note gins on the market.

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The Botanicals: From Juniper to Kelp

Sheringham Seaside Gin uses a blend of traditional and regional botanicals to create a layered but subtle profile. Juniper gives it structure, while rose and lavender add a light floral lift. Citrus peel sharpens the edges, and cardamom and coriander round things out with warmth and depth.

What makes the blend unique is winged kelp—locally sourced from the Pacific coast—which brings a faint salinity and a clean, mineral quality. Nothing dominates. Each element holds its place, and the result is more coastal than botanical garden.

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Tasting Notes: What to Expect in the Glass

On the nose, Sheringham Seaside Gin opens with soft florals, light citrus, and a trace of coastal air—there’s a clarity to it, but nothing sharp. The first sip is smooth and clean, with a gentle pull of juniper and citrus before the marine note from the kelp begins to show.

Mid-palate, the texture stays light, with subtle spice from cardamom and coriander. The finish is dry but not astringent, carrying a quiet minerality that lingers without weight. It’s balanced, calm, and unmistakably shaped by the Pacific.

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Where to Buy Sheringham Seaside Gin

Sheringham Seaside Gin is widely available across Canada and can be found in select specialty shops in the U.S. and online. In Canada, it's carried by provincial liquor boards like BC Liquor Stores and private retailers.

In the U.S., availability is more limited, but shops like Bitters & Bottles, K&L Wine Merchants, and select distributors in New York and California have stocked it.

Online ordering is possible through platforms that support cross-border shipping, though stock can fluctuate. If you’re outside North America, direct import may be the only route.

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Is Sheringham Seaside Gin Worth It?

If you're looking for something loud or juniper-heavy, this probably won’t be it.

But if you’re after a gin that shows restraint, clarity, and a real sense of place, Sheringham Seaside Gin delivers.

It doesn’t rely on theatrics—just careful balance and clean execution. The use of kelp isn’t a gimmick; it’s integrated with purpose. Considering the quality of ingredients, the production method, and the recognition it’s earned, it holds up at its price point. It’s not for every palate, but for the right one, it’s an easy yes.