Tanquery Gin was first distilled almost 200 years ago, in 1830 by Charles Tanqueray. Over the years, it has become one of the highest-selling gins in the world. This gin also has the privilege of being a Royal Warrant Holder, appointed by Her Majesty the Queen.
In this review of Tanqueray, you’ll learn all about this spirit, including the following topics (use the links below to “jump” to a specific section):
- Botanicals and Tasting Notes
- How Tanqueray is Made
- Tanqueray No. 10 and Tanqueray Rangpur
- Favorite Pairings with All Tanqueray
Tanqueray Dry Gin
- Distillery: Cameron Bridge, Scotland
- Variety: Dry Gin
- Alcohol by volume:
- 47.3% United States and Duty-Free
- 43.1% United Kingdom
- Pricing:
- $26 [Buy Now On Reserve Bar]
- From $26 [Buy Now On Drizly]
- Parent: Diageo PLC
- Official Site: Tanqueray.com
Botanicals Used
- Juniper
- Coriander
- Angelica Root
- Liquorice
Tanqueray Gin Tasting Notes
Unlike other gins, Tanqueray is not made with citrus; this leads it to be a much drier gin than other popular brands. The four types of botanicals used are combined to be very smooth when it hits your palate. The juniper flavor is not as overpowering and is much more subtle, with the coriander adding a sharp note at the end.
How Tanqueray Is Made: Cameron Bridge Distillery
The Cameron Bridge Distillery is an all-in-one facility. The wheat-neutral-spirit that is the base of this gin is produced in another area of the complex. Most gin producers bring in this base through a third party. By producing the spirit themselves, it allows a greater consistency before infusing the botanicals and immediately distilling the liquor. Tanqueray starts the process immediately to avoid “stewing” the botanicals.
Just like the label states, this gin is distilled four times. There are two different types of water used in the process, adding a more significant profile to the flavors. One water is extracted from a deep well on the distillery grounds, the other is demineralized water. The two blended together mirror the London water originally used in distilling.
While the gin is distilled multiple times, it is done so using the “one-shot” method, a rare process outside of boutique distilleries. One-Shot distilling requires more stills than other processes. The gin starts as a neutral spirit, then botanicals are steeped. Before bottling, the distiller adds water to cut the spirit, making it the proper proof.
Added details to the bottle include the red wax seal representing the Tanqueray family crest and seal of quality. There is also a pineapple and two axes forming a crest on the cap and on the back of the bottle, imprinted in the glass.
Pineapples in the 1800s represented both hospitality and prosperity. They would decorate homes as designs in furniture and wares to show wealth. The two axes have some lore behind them, and many people believe it shows the family taking part in the third crusade.
How To Drink Tanqueray?
As with many gins, they are best enjoyed in a variety of cocktails.
I also personally prefer to start with the ole gin and tonic to really taste what te gin has to offer and then go from then re specific cocktails and pairings (more on that below).
Where To Buy Tanqueray Gin In The USA
Although initially a limited production in 2006, Tanqueray gin is relatively easy to find in most liquor stores. However, it tends to be overshadowed by other, better-known brands.
Alternatively, it’s very easy to find online and can be simply picked up for $26 on Reserve Bar. Otherwise, you can use Drizly where it’s available for around the same price if you’re in a hurry. While Reserve Bar is a traditional online retailer, Drizly works in partnership with local stores to deliver liquor to your door within an hour!
Other Tanqueray Gins: Rangpur and No. 10
Tanqueray distills the primary London Dry Gin but, over the years, has produced other fan-favorite gins. One of these is the Rangpur Gin, which was initially introduced to the Maryland, Delaware and Washington D.C. markets. This gin, unlike typical Tanqueray, has a distinct citrus flavor. The flavor comes from the Rangpur Limes, where it gets its name, ginger and bay leaves all added during the distillation.
Image: Tanqueray.com
What was once a once-off in 2006, Tanqueray Rangpur is now readily available across the United States, even in 2020.
Tanqueray No. Ten was released initially in 2000, targeted at the martini market. Its bottle is a more art-deco style with recognizable green glass featuring distinct vertical lines, often compared to a cocktail shaker.
This gin is also known for it’s more distinct citrus flavor and has a broader palette of flavors when compared to the standard Tanqueray gin. Just like Rangpur Gin, Tanqueray No. Ten is easy to purchase and is widely popular for martinis and cocktails.
Final Review Thoughts & Pairings
Tanqueray offers a very balanced flavor leading to a wide range of flavor pairings. While Tanqueray London Dry Gin is only infused with the flavor of 4 distinct botanicals, it has the ability to blend easily with mixes and juices in ways other gins can’t. The mixing of cocktails highlights and features the taste.
One of our favorite Tanqueray cocktails is the typical gin and tonic. The dryness adds to the flavor, not making it an overpoweringly sweet drink. The more earthy flavors also add to this being paired with a more bold cigar like the Perla Del Mar. The distinct taste of the cigar leaving a creamy, wooden smoke flavor, easily complements the equally creamy flavor of the Tanqueray Dry Gin.
Because there are no citrus flavors within the gin itself, mixing with lemon, lime, or even grapefruit pair nicely to create new cocktails.
Favorite Cocktails with Tanqueray
While you can make any of the best gin cocktails using any brand you like, we highly recommend using any Tanqueray with a gin and tonic, or the classic martini. If you’re feeling more creative in your cocktail craft, the unique flavor of the three Tanqueray types pair wonderfully with these drinks:
Rangpur Cran
This is an easy cocktail to make and only requires 3 ingredients. The cranberry juice is complemented by the lime, creating a refreshing drink.
- 1 1/4 ounces Tanqueray Rangpur Lime
- 3 ounces cranberry juice
- 1 lime wedge
Combine the gin and cranberry juice, stir and pour over ice. Garnish with the lime and you’re ready to go!
Tom Collins
If you’re not one for making the perfect martini using Tanqueray No. Ten, a Tom Collins is a great option to bring out the citrus.
- 1 1/4 ounces Tanqueray No. Ten
- 1 1/4 ounces lemon juice
- Splash of soda water
- Lemon wedge
In a highball glass, fill with ice and the gin. Add the lemon juice, top with the soda water and give a slight stir. Garnish this with a lemon wedge for the final citrus punch.
French 75
While this drink sounds extravagant, and it is slightly more labor-intensive than most cocktails, it is a light cocktail with a touch of the botanicals.
- 4 ounces Tanqueray London Dry Gin
- 2 ounces lemon juice
- 4 teaspoons sugar (or 2 ounces simple syrup)
- Topped with Champagne
- Lemon Peel Twist
To make this cocktail, you will need a shaker, if no shaker is available you can get creative with stirring or using two glasses to combine the ingredients.
Start with filling the shaker with ice and adding the gin, lemon juice, and sugar. Shake these together until they are cold. Strain into a champagne flute or your preferred glass and top with champagne. Garnish with a twist of lemon! If this drink sounds too intense to make at home, try it first at your favorite cocktail bar or restaurant.
Ready to learn more about gin? Continue reading:
About the Author: Emily
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