Updated October 2026
Tanqueray is the bolder, juniper-forward gin; Bombay Sapphire is the lighter, more aromatic one. Tanqueray London Dry uses just four botanicals and tastes crisp, piney and dry. Bombay Sapphire uses ten botanicals, infused by vapor rather than steeped, and tastes softer, citrusy and floral. In the US both are bottled at nearly the same strength: Tanqueray at 47.3% ABV and Bombay Sapphire at 47%.
This guide compares how each gin is made, how they taste, which works better in which cocktail, and why the strength on your bottle depends on where it was sold.
Tanqueray vs Bombay Sapphire at a Glance
| Tanqueray London Dry | Bombay Sapphire | |
|---|---|---|
| Style | London Dry gin | London Dry gin |
| First made | 1830, by Charles Tanqueray in Bloomsbury, London | Launched in 1986 |
| Owner | Diageo | Bacardi (since 1997) |
| Number of botanicals | 4 | 10 |
| How botanicals are used | Distilled with the spirit | Vapor infusion: spirit vapor passes through a basket of botanicals |
| US strength | 47.3% ABV (94.6 proof) | 47% ABV (94 proof) |
| Flavor in a word | Juniper-forward and dry | Bright, citrusy and floral |
Tanqueray: Four Botanicals, Big Juniper
Charles Tanqueray first distilled his gin in Bloomsbury, London, in 1830. The brand now belongs to Diageo. Its historic still, known as “Old Tom,” was the only piece of equipment to survive wartime bombing of the original London distillery, and it now sits at Diageo’s Cameronbridge site in Fife, Scotland.
Tanqueray London Dry uses only four botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica root and liquorice. With so few ingredients, juniper dominates. The result is the classic, pine-forward gin profile, clean and dry with a peppery edge from the coriander and a hint of earthy sweetness from the angelica and liquorice.
Bombay Sapphire: Ten Botanicals, Vapor Infused
Bombay Sapphire launched in 1986 and has belonged to Bacardi since 1997. Today it is distilled at Laverstoke Mill in Hampshire, England.
Its signature is vapor infusion. Rather than soaking botanicals in the spirit, the distillery heats the spirit and lets the vapor rise through a copper basket holding the botanicals. This method extracts lighter, more aromatic flavors and tends to produce a softer gin. The ten botanicals are juniper, lemon peel, coriander, orris root, angelica root, almond, cassia bark, liquorice root, cubeb pepper and grains of paradise.
Juniper is still present, but it shares the stage with citrus, spice and floral notes. Many drinkers who find traditional gin too piney prefer Bombay Sapphire for exactly this reason.
Taste Side by Side
| Tanqueray London Dry | Bombay Sapphire | |
|---|---|---|
| Nose | Fresh pine and juniper, light spice | Citrus peel, soft juniper, floral notes |
| Palate | Dry, bold juniper, peppery coriander | Lighter, with lemon, gentle spice and a peppery lift |
| Finish | Crisp and clean | Smooth, slightly warm and aromatic |
| Best for | Drinkers who like a classic gin taste | Newer gin drinkers and those who want a softer profile |
Which Gin for Which Cocktail?
- Gin and Tonic: Both are excellent. Tanqueray gives a sharper, more traditional G&T; Bombay Sapphire gives a brighter, more aromatic one, especially with a lime or lemon twist.
- Dry Martini: Tanqueray, if you want a bold, classic martini where juniper leads. Bombay Sapphire makes a softer, more floral martini.
- Negroni: Tanqueray. Its strong juniper stands up to Campari and sweet vermouth. See our guide to the best sweet vermouth for a Negroni.
- Tom Collins, Gin Fizz and citrus drinks: Bombay Sapphire. Its lemon and floral notes suit lighter, sparkling drinks.
- Gimlet: Either. Tanqueray gives a drier, punchier result.
Why the Strength Depends on Where You Bought It
Both brands bottle different strengths for different markets, so the ABV on a bottle bought abroad may not match the US figure.
| Market | Tanqueray London Dry | Bombay Sapphire |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 47.3% ABV | 47% ABV |
| United Kingdom | 41.3% ABV (since 2023) | 40% ABV |
| Several other markets | As low as 40% ABV | 40% ABV in much of Europe, Canada and Australia |
The higher US strength matters in a cocktail. More alcohol carries more botanical flavor and holds up better to dilution from ice and mixers. If a recipe tastes weaker with a bottle bought overseas, the lower strength is a likely reason. Always check the label on your bottle.
Standard Drinks
A US standard drink contains 14 grams of alcohol, which equals 1.5 ounces of a 40% spirit. Because US Tanqueray and Bombay Sapphire are stronger than 40%, a 1.5-ounce pour of either equals about 1.18 standard drinks. A 750 mL bottle of US Tanqueray holds about 20 standard drinks. Keep that in mind when pouring a martini, which can contain 2 to 3 ounces of gin.
Other Gins to Compare
If neither fits, consider Beefeater for a classic London Dry at a lower price, or Aviation for a softer, less juniper-forward American style. Read our guides to Beefeater and Aviation Gin, or start with the brand pages for Tanqueray and Bombay. New to gin? Our gin guide and gin vs vodka explain the basics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire?
Neither is objectively better. Choose Tanqueray if you like a bold, classic, juniper-heavy gin. Choose Bombay Sapphire if you prefer something lighter, more citrusy and floral.
Is Tanqueray stronger than Bombay Sapphire?
In the US, only slightly: Tanqueray is 47.3% ABV and Bombay Sapphire is 47%. In other markets the gap can differ, so check the label.
Is Bombay Sapphire smoother than Tanqueray?
Many drinkers find Bombay Sapphire softer because vapor infusion produces lighter, more aromatic flavors and its juniper is less dominant.
Who owns Tanqueray and Bombay Sapphire?
Diageo owns Tanqueray. Bacardi owns Bombay Sapphire.
More in our Gin Guide.
Sources
- Tanqueray: founding by Charles Tanqueray in 1830, Diageo ownership, four botanicals, market strengths including 47.3% (US) and 41.3% (UK, since 2023), “Old Tom” still at Cameronbridge.
- Bombay Sapphire: 1986 launch, Bacardi ownership since 1997, Laverstoke Mill, vapor infusion, 47% (US) and 40% in other markets.
- Bombay Sapphire’s ten botanicals, per brand-published ingredient list.
- US 750 mL retail listings: Tanqueray London Dry 47.3% ABV (94.6 proof); Bombay Sapphire 47% ABV (94 proof).
- 27 CFR § 5.144, Gin: standards of identity (eCFR, current); NIAAA standard drink definition.