Last Updated on February 1, 2024 by Lydia Martin
The Beefeater Gin is the world’s most awarded gin in the past decade. Producers have incorporated the steeping process into its creation — something other brands don’t do. All the herbs and botanicals are steeped for one whole day before distillation.
What is Beefeater Gin?
The Beefeater London Dry Gin stays true to its name; it’s one of only nine gins left with producers still in London, along with Sipsmith London and the City of London.
The Beefeater London Dry Gin recipe was created by founder James Burrough in 1862. The Beefeater brand still uses the same recipe 200 years ago with all nine botanicals and herbs. The list includes juniper berries, angelica root, angelica seeds, coriander seeds, liquorice, almonds, orris root, Seville oranges, and lemon peel.
How It’s Made
Process & Production
Grains are distilled to make the Beefeater London Dry Gin. This brand manually hand-weighs and performs a 24-hour steeping process to all its flavorings. This procedure makes a profound difference in the final product.
If you’re curious about how Beefeater London Dry Gin is made, the Beefeater distillery offers on-site tours in London so you can see firsthand how the producers make the Beefeater.
Why It’s Called Beefeater
Despite its name being beefeater, the Beefeater London Dry Gin does not use beef. The name Beefeater was derived from the Yeomen of the Guard, also known as bodyguards of the British monarch. From the 1400s, these bodyguards were in charge of protecting the King or Queen of England, and subsequently, the Royal Family. The common folk called the Yeomen of the Guard “Beefeaters” in name.
The Beefeaters are the oldest British military corps still in existence. They now attend to the Tower of London.
Beefeater Gin Price Guide
| Type | Size | Proof | Average Price |
| Beefeater London Dry Gin | 750 ml | 96 | $17.99 – $19.99 |
| 1 L | 96 | $22.99 – $29.99 | |
| 1.75 L | 96 | $32.99 – $44.99 | |
| Beefeater London Pink | 750 ml | 63 | $19.99 – $22.99 |
| Beefeater 24 Gin | 750 ml | 90 | $22.99 – $29.99 |
| Beefeater Burrough’s Reserve Edition 2 | 750 ml | 86 | $69.99 – $89.99 |
| Beefeater London Garden | 750 ml | 80 | $98.99 – $128.99 |
Common Variety Pricing
| Variety | Flavor Profile | Unique Feature | Availability | Alcohol Content | Average Price Range |
| Beefeater London Dry | Juniper & Citrus | Nine Botanicals | Widespread | 40% | $17.99 – $19.99 |
| Beefeater Reserve Edition 2 | Juniper & Dried Fruit | Rest in Oak Casks | Very Limited | 43% | $69.99 – $89.99 |
Liquor Options & Prices Comparable to Beefeater
Factors such as the exclusivity of ingredients used can impact prices among different brands. Gins that are made in craft-style distilleries also tend to have higher prices than mass-produced brands.
Although this alcohol is not aged like whiskey or wines, some brands age their gins in oak casks. It gives the spirit a difference in color, similar to that of young whiskey. Aging also affects the final price of the brands.
Tanqueray London Dry Gin
Compared to all the other brands, the Tanqueray is highest in both proof and ABV at 43 percent. Each green bottle of Tanqueray has prices roughly starting at $25 in stores, which leans towards the more expensive brands. It’s heavy on juniper berries and infuses only four flavorings during distillation.
Bombay Sapphire
The Bombay Sapphire has prices roughly starting at $26. The company does a strict quality check on all ten flavorings procured from all over the world and has a subtle flavor. The Bacardi company owns the Bombay Gins.
Gordon’s
Gordon’s is lowest in both proof and ABV at only 37.5 percent and also the most affordable amongst all other prices at just $12 per 750ml bottle. This gin stays true to the original taste of gin and is the second-most sold brand of gin in the world.
Bombay Dry
Bombay Dry is Bombay Sapphire’s little sister, with the difference being Bombay Dry uses eight flavorings instead of ten. A bottle has prices starting at $16 in stores, similar to Beefeater.
Seagram’s Extra Dry
Seagram’s Extra Dry’s price is similar to Gordon’s, with prices at $12 per 750ml bottle. It has beautiful pine notes and strong citrus flavors. It also has the same ABV as most gins in this selection, like Beefeater and Bombay, at 40 percent.
Beefeater London Dry Gin can be substituted for any cocktail needing London dry gins [1]. It is a wonderful alcohol base. Here are more recipes you can try using Beefeater.
Gin & Tonic
The classic Gin and Tonic is a staple beverage. This cocktail has quite a bitter taste, yet surprisingly fresh and addictive.
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce Beefeater Gin
- 2 ounces tonic water
- Lemon and orange wheels
- Fresh ice
Directions:
Pour one part liquor and one part tonic water in a tall glass, then fill it halfway with ice. Put in the lemon and orange wheels, then add more tonic water and ice, so the wheels float in the middle of the glass.
Pink Fizz
The Pink Fizz is a pink cocktail recipe that uses two spirits and has a sweet flavor profile. Replace your wines with this drink!
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce Beefeater Pink
- 2 ounces pomegranate juice
- 1 ounce dry rose champagne
- ⅓ ounce elderflower cordial
- ¼ ounce lime juice
- Fresh ice
- Pomegranate seeds
- Sparkling water
Directions:
Combine all the juices, champagne, cordial, and Beefeater in a cocktail glass with ice and stir well. Garnish with a mint leaf, lime wheel, and some pomegranate seeds for that “pop.”
The Bumble Bee
The Bumble Bee has an appropriate name. It uses the zest of citrus and the sweetness of honey to make a sweet and sour cocktail. It’ll surely give you a flavor “buzz.”
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces Beefeater Gin
- Lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- Fruit wheel for garnish
- Crushed ice
Directions:
Put crushed ice inside a tall glass and gently stream honey over it (add more if you prefer a sweeter cocktail). Slowly pour in all the Beefeater as you stir. Add more lemon juice according to your liking, then garnish with the fruit wheel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Is Beefeater a good gin?
Yes. The London-made Beefeater Gin is an excellent quality product and is “The World’s Most Awarded Gin.” Beefeater has received excellent reviews and won awards at spirit rating competitions, bagging a long list of gold, silver, and bronze medals from the United States San Francisco World Spirits Competition between 2006 and 2012.
The prestigious Beverage Tasting Institute from the United States also gave the Beefeater a long list of positive reviews and a high grade of 94.
What size does Beefeater Gin come in?
The Beefeater Gin bottles come in 750ml, 1L, and 1.75L.
Is Beefeater quality gin?
Yes, Beefeater is considered a quality gin. It is a well-established and reputable brand known for its classic London Dry Gin style.
Is Beefeater premium gin?
Beefeater is often categorized as a premium gin due to its quality and traditional London Dry Gin profile. It is positioned as a higher-end option within the gin market.
What is special about Beefeater gin?
Beefeater gin is known for its classic London Dry Gin style, featuring a balanced and juniper-forward flavor profile. It is crafted with a blend of botanicals, including juniper, angelica root, coriander seeds, and citrus peels.
What alcohol is Beefeater?
Beefeater is a gin, which is a distilled alcoholic beverage that gets its predominant flavor from juniper berries and various botanicals.
What is the most expensive gin?
The most expensive gin can vary based on factors such as limited editions and market availability. Artisanal and rare gins may command high prices.
What is the best gin brand?
The preference for the best gin brand is subjective and varies among individuals. Beefeater is well-regarded, but other popular brands include Bombay Sapphire, Tanqueray, and Hendrick’s.
What type of gin is Beefeater?
Beefeater is a London Dry Gin. This style of gin is known for its traditional, juniper-forward flavor with a dry finish.
Can you drink Beefeater gin straight?
Yes, Beefeater gin can be enjoyed straight or on the rocks. Its classic and well-balanced flavor makes it suitable for sipping.
How do you drink Beefeater gin?
Beefeater gin can be enjoyed in various ways. It is commonly used in classic cocktails such as the Gin and Tonic, Martini, or Tom Collins. It can also be enjoyed straight or on the rocks.
Why is it called Beefeater gin?
The name “Beefeater” is derived from the Yeomen Warders who historically guarded the Tower of London and were given rations of beef. Beefeater gin pays homage to this historical association.
What to serve with Beefeater gin?
Beefeater gin pairs well with a variety of mixers. It complements classic cocktails like the Gin and Tonic, Martini, or Negroni. It also pairs well with citrus flavors and herbal elements in cocktails. Experimenting with different garnishes and mixers can enhance the drinking experience.
In Summary
The Beefeater London Dry Gin continues to be loved today despite already having been in the market for over 200 years. With a widespread availability and simple flavors that are easy to name and adore, everyone should have a bottle of Beefeater Dry Gin in their liquor cabinet.
Reference:
- https://www.yummly.com/recipes/london-dry-gin
