Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Tanqueray Gin is one of the most awarded gins globally and is the true embodiment of a traditional London dry gin (despite being produced in Scotland).
It’s not afraid to be bold with its strong juniper taste, which contrasts most contemporary mass-produced gins today. It follows up with an earthy, spicy finish, thanks to the flavors of angelica root, licorice, and coriander.
About Tanqueray Gin
Charles Tanqueray initially distilled Tanqueray Gin in the Bloomsbury district in London, UK. In 1830, he and his brother, Edward, went to the Curries Distillery to study the craft of distilling gin. In a family of pastors, this move was frowned upon.
With their dedication to the craft and countless trial and error in both the product and its production, the Edward and Charles Tanqueray Co. was finally established in Vine Street, London, in 1838. It went on to become a family business until it merged with Alexander Gordon Co. of Gordon’s to become the largest gin house worldwide.
World War Two heavily struck England, and the facility has since been moved to Cameron Bridge, Scotland, where it continues to distill Tanqueray gin. Now, it’s produced by conglomerate Diageo.
Read: Tanqueray vs Bombay
How It’s Made
Traditionally, gin is made by the distillation of grain bases to achieve a neutral spirit. This neutral grain spirit is then infused by botanicals, most commonly juniper berries.
The classic yet innovative 1830 production method and recipe from Charles Tanqueray is still being used to create Tanqueray Gin. The botanicals are first distilled into one small portion of neutral grain spirit before the whole batch gets a final distillation.
Tanqueray Gin is made from a number of simple botanicals: Tuscan juniper, coriander, angelica root, and licorice, and has an ABV of 43 percent.
Tanqueray’s Gin Types
Tanqueray Rangpur Gin
Tanqueray Rangpur uses the same base as the classic Tanqueray Gin, but it adds the zest of the rangpur fruit [1]. An exotic citrus fruit from India is added to the production of Tanqueray Rangpur. Rangpur looks like a mandarin orange yet has the zestiness of lime, which adds citrus notes to the classic gin everyone loves.
Tanqueray London Dry Gin
Tanqueray London Dry Gin is the classic style gin that’s been around for the past 200 years. The liquor is juniper-laden with earthy finishes.
Tanqueray No. Ten
Tanqueray No. Ten was created as an homage to the more modern style of gin that lets flavors other than the juniper take center stage. Eight botanicals are infused in the Tanqueray No. Ten variant, with aromatic flowers and fresh citrus taking the front seat. The four botanicals, in addition, are white grapefruit, lime, orange, and chamomile flowers.
Tanqueray Flor De Sevilla
Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla adds the zing of the bittersweet Seville oranges to the classic style 1830 Tanqueray Gin recipe. One of Charles’s travels to Spain inspired this creation. Diageo temporarily discontinued this variant in 2002 and relaunched it in 2012 (unlike the Old Tom variant).
Tanqueray Malacca
Tanqueray Malacca is a sweet gin with heavy citrus notes. Notes of creamy vanilla and nutmeg are also present, especially when it is drunk neat.
Common Tanqueray Gin Prices
| Type | Size | Proof | Average Price |
| Tanqueray Rangpur Gin | 750ml | 82.6 | $25.99 – $27.99 |
| Tanqueray London Dry Gin | 750ml | 94.6 | $22.99 – $25.99 |
| 1L | 94.6 | $31.99 – $35.99 | |
| 1.75L | 94.6 | $32.99 – $44.99 | |
| Tanqueray No. Ten Gin | 750ml | 94.6 | $36.99 – $39.99 |
| Tanqueray Malacca Gin | 750ml | 80 | Starts at around $31 |
| Tanqueray Flor De Sevilla | 750ml | 82.6 | Starts at around $26 |
Compared to Other Gin Brands’ Prices
New Amsterdam
Fans of New Amsterdam would be well aware that the flavor notes present in this gin lean heavily towards the zesty citrus with a hint of juniper. Prices start at around $11 — almost half the prices of Tanqueray Gin. New Amsterdam has a lower ABV at 40 percent compared to Tanqueray’s 43 percent.
Beefeater
Beefeater London Dry is the most awarded gin in the past decade. Prices of Beefeater liquor start at roughly $17 in stores, and just like New Amsterdam, it has a 40 percent ABV.
Bombay Sapphire
For more sophisticated palates, you’re better off with Bombay Sapphire. This brand has integrated the vapor infusion style into its production process, ensuring that the overall taste of the alcohol products remains subtle. Prices start at about $16 for Bombay. It has an ABV of 40 percent and uses ten botanicals.
More Expensive Brands Comparable Alternatives
| Type | Size | Proof | Average Price |
| St. George Terroir | 750ml | 90 | Starts at around $49 |
| Sipsmith London Dry | 750ml | 83 | Starts at around $45 |
| FEW American Gin | 750ml | 80 | Starts at around $52 |
Are Higher-Priced Gins Worth It?
If people prefer expensive brands, it’s their choice. But most affordable gins are already excellent quality, and we think there’s no need to spend the extra money.
Less Expensive Comparable Alternatives
| Type | Size | Proof | Average Price |
| Gilbey’s Special Dry | 750ml | 80 | Starts at around $14 |
| Seagram’s Extra Dry | 750ml | 80 | Starts at around $12 |
| New Amsterdam Straight | 750 ml | 80 | Starts at around $12 |
Popular Cocktail Recipes For Your Gin Tanqueray
Tanqueray is found at almost every bar in the United States. Tanqueray Gin’s flavor is the perfect base for cocktails and is favored by most bartenders for the classic gin and tonic, martini, and negroni.
The Vesper Martini
James Bond’s signature order is fairly easy to achieve with the Tanqueray Gin.
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce Tanqueray No. Ten
- ⅘ ounce Russian vodka
- ½ ounce white vermouth
- Thin lemon peel for garnish
Directions:
Put all liquid ingredients inside a chilled shaker and mix. Strain and pour inside a chilled glass. Garnish with a thin lemon peel.
Tanqueray French 75
Ingredients:
- ¾ ounce Tanqueray Gin
- ¼ ounce lime or lemon juice
- ⅛ ounce simple syrup
- Champagne
- Lemon or orange slice for garnish
Directions:
Put the Tanqueray spirit, lemon juice, and simple syrup into an iced shaker and mix. Add more syrup according to your preference. Pour inside a flute glass and top with champagne, then garnish your gin and juice drink with a fruit slice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Is Tanqueray a premium gin?
No. Tanqueray Gin is not a premium gin as it doesn’t have a premium price tag, but that fact doesn’t take away from the superb taste this gin has.
What’s the best way to drink Tanqueray?
Tanqueray Gin is best served as an alcohol base to cocktails as that’s the time its flavors truly shine. It’s best paired with subtle mixers like vermouth, tonic water, and grapefruit juice.
Tanqueray London Gin’s flavor notes are also not offensive if you want to drink it straight or neat — unlike other cheap gins!
Why is Tanqueray so popular?
Tanqueray is popular due to its consistently high-quality London Dry Gin. It’s known for its well-balanced and robust flavor profile, featuring prominent juniper notes with a blend of botanicals.
What alcohol is Tanqueray gin?
Tanqueray gin is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage known as gin. It is specifically categorized as a London Dry Gin.
What is the most expensive gin?
The most expensive gin can vary based on limited editions and market availability. Some artisanal and rare gins command high prices.
Which Tanqueray gin is best?
The preference for the best Tanqueray gin is subjective. Tanqueray offers various expressions, including Tanqueray London Dry Gin, Tanqueray No. Ten, and others, each with its unique characteristics.
What do you mix Tanqueray with?
Tanqueray mixes well with various ingredients. Classic options include tonic water for a Gin and Tonic, vermouth for a Martini, or citrus elements for a refreshing twist.
Can you drink Tanqueray gin straight?
Yes, Tanqueray gin can be enjoyed straight or on the rocks. Its robust flavor profile makes it suitable for sipping.
How does Tanqueray taste?
Tanqueray has a bold and juniper-forward taste, complemented by a mix of botanicals. It’s often described as well-balanced, crisp, and with a hint of citrus.
What are the side effects of Tanqueray gin?
Excessive alcohol consumption, including Tanqueray gin, may lead to adverse effects such as dehydration, impaired judgment, and an increased risk of certain health issues. It’s important to drink responsibly.
Is Tanqueray Gin a premium gin?
Yes, Tanqueray is considered a premium gin. It is known for its quality and craftsmanship, especially with expressions like Tanqueray No. Ten, which is positioned as a higher-end option.
What is special about Tanqueray?
Tanqueray is renowned for its exceptional quality and traditional London Dry Gin style. It stands out for its well-balanced and classic flavor profile, making it a favorite among gin enthusiasts.
Is Tanqueray Gin a premium gin?
Yes, Tanqueray Gin is widely recognized as a premium gin brand. It is celebrated for its commitment to quality, distinct flavor profile, and various expressions that cater to both classic and sophisticated tastes.
Conclusion
The time, hard work, and dedication that Charles Tanqueray put into his craft are still very much present at every Tanqueray Gin bottle being sold in the market today.
His story inspires us that success doesn’t have to be complicated — all you need is hard work and discipline.
Reference:
- https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/23/dining/23limes.html
