Tanqueray vs Gordons
Gordon’s and Tanqueray are both produced by the same company, Diageo.
These gins are also both London Dry Gins.
Unlike Gordon’s, the recipe for Tanqueray includes only 4 botanicals, delivering a gin that is juniper-heavy, fresh on the nose, and dry on the palate with juniper and citrus.
The highest alcohol by volume option among the gins mentioned in this post, Tanqueray makes an excellent gin and tonic.
What are your thoughts on Gordon’s vs Tanqueray?
Gordon’s Gin vs Tanqueray is an interesting comparison because both are classic London Dry gins from the same broad Diageo family, but they have noticeably different personalities in the glass. Gordon’s dates back to 1769, while Tanqueray was established in the 1830s. Both are built around juniper and traditional gin botanicals, so neither is a radically modern or heavily flavoured gin.
Table of Contents
Tanqueray vs Gordons: Gordon’s Gin
Gordon’s London Dry Gin has a straightforward, recognisable gin profile. Its recipe uses juniper, coriander, angelica and liquorice, along with other botanicals, and it is triple distilled. The dominant impression is juniper with a dry, slightly citrusy character. It is the sort of gin that works particularly naturally in a classic gin and tonic because its flavour remains recognisable even when combined with tonic water.
Gordon’s is also generally bottled at a lower strength than standard Tanqueray in many markets, although Gordon’s has different strength versions depending on the market. This matters because alcohol strength affects how strongly you perceive the botanicals and the overall weight of the drink.
Gin Tanqueray X Gin Gordons: 2. Tanqueray
Tanqueray London Dry is more assertive. Its classic recipe is built around four key botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica and liquorice.
It is distilled four times, and its flavour profile is particularly associated with piney juniper, peppery coriander, herbal notes and a dry finish.
The standard Tanqueray sold in some markets is 43.1% ABV, while the US version listed by the brand is 47.3%, so the exact bottle matters when comparing the two.
Gordon’s Gin vs Tanqueray: how they differ
| Gordon’s | Tanqueray | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall character | Classic, straightforward | Bolder, more pronounced |
| Juniper | Prominent | More pronounced |
| Citrus | Present but restrained | More noticeable alongside juniper |
| Herbal/spice notes | Moderate | More apparent |
| Finish | Dry and relatively simple | Longer and more substantial |
| Gin & tonic | Excellent classic option | More assertive G&T |
| Martinis | Works well | Particularly well suited |
| Negroni | Works well | Its stronger botanical profile stands out |
The difference becomes especially noticeable if you drink them with relatively little mixer.
In a gin and tonic with plenty of tonic, ice and garnish, Gordon’s can come across as uncomplicated and refreshing.
Tanqueray tends to push its juniper, coriander and herbal character forward more strongly.
Tanqueray’s combination of juniper, citrus, pepper and herbal notes also gives it enough structure to stand up well in cocktails such as Martinis and Negronis.
LCBO Which is Preferred Beefeater or Sapphire Gin?
If you are choosing between Beefeater London Dry Gin and Bombay Sapphire at the LCBO, both are good options, but they suit slightly different tastes.
Beefeater is the better choice if you enjoy a pronounced juniper and citrus flavour, while Bombay Sapphire is a good choice if you prefer a more delicate, aromatic gin with herbal and spicy notes.
Beefeater vs Bombay Sapphire
Beefeater London Dry Gin
Bold, dry and citrus-forward
- Strong juniper flavour
- Pronounced citrus notes
- Traditional London Dry character
- Excellent for a classic gin and tonic or martini
Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin
Aromatic, herbal and balanced
- Juniper with fresh citrus
- Herbal spice and liquorice notes
- A more delicate botanical aroma
- Excellent for gin and tonics and mixed cocktails
Which Gin Tastes Better?
It depends on what you want from your drink.
| Feature | Beefeater | Bombay Sapphire |
|---|---|---|
| Overall character | Bold and traditional | Aromatic and nuanced |
| Juniper | More pronounced | More delicate |
| Citrus | Prominent | Fresh and balanced |
| Herbal notes | Present but less prominent | More noticeable |
| Gin and tonic | Strong classic gin flavour | More layered botanical flavour |
| Martini | Excellent for a traditional profile | Good for a more aromatic profile |
Both are London Dry gins, and the standard versions listed by the LCBO are 40% alcohol by volume.
Which Is Preferred at the LCBO?
The LCBO’s own gin guide describes Beefeater as a favourite for its bold juniper and juicy citrus profile, while presenting Bombay Sapphire as a more delicate, vapour-infused take on classic gin.
That makes Beefeater a strong choice for traditional gin drinkers, while Bombay Sapphire appeals to people who enjoy exploring botanical flavours.
Which one should you buy?
- Choose Beefeater if you want a classic, assertive gin that stands up well to tonic water and other mixers.
- Choose Bombay Sapphire if you prefer a fragrant gin with more noticeable herbal and spice notes.
- For a gin and tonic: both work well. Beefeater gives you a more prominent gin flavour, while Bombay Sapphire offers a more aromatic experience.
- For value: Beefeater is generally the less expensive option at the LCBO. The listed 750 ml bottles were $31.15 for Beefeater and $34.45 for Bombay Sapphire, although prices can change.
My verdict: I would choose Beefeater for a traditional, juniper-forward gin and better value, and Bombay Sapphire for a more aromatic, botanical flavour profile.
Neither is universally superior. Your preference for boldness versus aromatic complexity is the deciding factor.
One final point: both have the same listed alcohol strength, so the choice is about flavour rather than which gin is stronger.
Beefeater Gin vs Gordons Gin
If you would like to know more about how Beafeater Gin and Gordon’s Gin compare, click here.
Diferença Gordons e Beafeter
A diferença entre Gordon’s e Beefeater está principalmente no sabor, na intensidade das notas de zimbro e citrinos e no teor alcoólico, que pode variar conforme o país onde o gin é vendido.
Os dois são gins do estilo London Dry, conhecidos pelo sabor seco e pela presença do zimbro, a planta que dá ao gin o seu carácter característico.
No entanto, Gordon’s tem um perfil mais direto e clássico, enquanto Beefeater apresenta uma combinação mais pronunciada de zimbro e notas cítricas.
1. Gordon’s Gin
O Gordon’s London Dry Gin é uma escolha clássica para quem gosta de gin seco, com um sabor reconhecível e sem demasiadas notas aromáticas a competir entre si.
O seu perfil de sabor inclui:
- Zimbro: proporciona o sabor tradicional do gin.
- Citrinos: acrescentam frescura ao paladar.
- Coentros: contribuem com notas herbais e ligeiramente especiadas.
- Alcaçuz e angélica: ajudam a completar o perfil botânico.
O Gordon’s combina bem com água tónica, gelo e uma rodela de limão.
É uma opção adequada para quem procura um gin simples para preparar um gin tónico clássico.
2. Beefeater Gin
O Beefeater London Dry Gin é um gin produzido em Londres, seguindo uma receita que remonta a 1863.
A sua composição utiliza nove ingredientes botânicos principais.
Entre as suas características estão:
- Zimbro: confere um carácter clássico e bem definido.
- Casca de laranja e limão: acrescenta notas cítricas mais evidentes.
- Coentros: contribuem para o aroma especiado.
- Amêndoa, alcaçuz e raiz de lírio: acrescentam complexidade ao conjunto.
O Beefeater é adequado para gin tónico e martíni.
O seu perfil cítrico e botânico também funciona bem em cocktails que precisam de um sabor de gin mais evidente.
3. Comparação direta
| Característica | Gordon’s | Beefeater |
|---|---|---|
| Estilo | London Dry | London Dry |
| Sabor predominante | Zimbro e citrinos | Zimbro e citrinos mais pronunciados |
| Perfil | Clássico e direto | Mais complexo e cítrico |
| Gin tónico | Fresco e tradicional | Aromático e cítrico |
| Cocktails | Ideal para misturas simples | Adequado para cocktails clássicos |
| Preço | Geralmente mais económico | Pode custar um pouco mais |
Os preços dependem do mercado, do tamanho da garrafa e do retalhista.
4. Qual tem mais álcool?
O teor alcoólico depende da versão comercializada em cada país.
- Gordon’s London Dry Gin: frequentemente 37,5% de álcool por volume, embora existam mercados com versões de 40%.
- Beefeater London Dry Gin: normalmente 40% de álcool por volume em muitos mercados.
Por isso, convém verificar o rótulo da garrafa antes de comparar a graduação alcoólica.
5. Qual vale mais a pena comprar?
A escolha depende do tipo de gin de que gostas.
Escolhe Gordon’s se:
- Preferes um gin clássico, seco e simples.
- Gostas de preparar gin tónico com limão e água tónica.
- Queres uma opção que normalmente custa menos.
Escolhe Beefeater se:
- Preferes notas cítricas mais evidentes.
- Gostas de sentir o carácter botânico do gin nos cocktails.
- Procuras um perfil que combine bem com gin tónico e martíni.
Veredicto
O Gordon’s oferece um perfil clássico e direto, enquanto o Beefeater apresenta um carácter cítrico e botânico mais marcado. Nenhum é necessariamente melhor para todos os paladares.
Se a tua prioridade é o sabor, a melhor forma de escolher é comparar os dois no mesmo tipo de gin tónico, usando a mesma água tónica e a mesma quantidade de gin.
Reddit Bombay Sapphire vs Tanqueray vs Beefeater vs Gordon’s
When comparing Bombay Sapphire, Tanqueray, Beefeater and Gordon’s, the main differences are their flavour profiles, how strongly their botanicals come through, and their value for money.
A recurring theme in Reddit discussions is that Tanqueray and Beefeater are reliable choices for classic gin cocktails,
Bombay Sapphire appeals to people who enjoy its distinctive aromatic profile, and Gordon’s is a popular budget-friendly option.
Personal preference matters, though, and gin enthusiasts disagree about which tastes best.
1. How the Four Gins Compare
Tanqueray London Dry Gin: Bold, Dry and Juniper-Forward
Tanqueray has a strong pine-like juniper character, peppery coriander, herbal notes and a dry finish. Its original recipe uses four principal botanicals.
It is particularly suited to gin and tonics and martinis.
Beefeater London Dry Gin: Citrusy, Crisp and Traditional
Beefeater combines pronounced juniper with lemon and Seville orange peel, plus herbal and spicy notes.
Reddit drinkers often recommend it as a good-value gin for cocktails, especially when compared with more expensive alternatives.
Bombay Sapphire: Aromatic, Herbal and Spicy
Bombay Sapphire uses ten botanicals and a vapour-infusion process. It has a layered aromatic profile, with juniper, citrus, coriander and warm spice.
Some Reddit users prefer its distinctive flavour, while others find it too intense or less suited to their taste.
Gordon’s London Dry Gin: Straightforward, dry and budget-friendly
Gordon’s offers a familiar juniper-led flavour with citrus notes.
It is often chosen for everyday gin and tonics and mixed drinks because it is generally less expensive than the other three.
Reddit drinkers also recommend it when budget is a priority.
2. What Reddit Drinkers Actually Say
Examples of opinions from gin and cocktail discussions
Reddit•r/cocktails›Beefeater or Tanqueray are the safest choice. Can’t go wrong with them. Just pick whichever cheapest between them
Reddit•r/cocktails›My go to is Bombay Sapphire. Beefeater is also good compared to the price.
Reddit•r/Gin›Personally I always go with Tanq for a group to drink in volume. I think it’s a little sharper and “cleaner” if that makes sense.
These comments illustrate three common preferences:
- Tanqueray: appreciated by drinkers who want a pronounced, clean classic-gin flavour.
- Beefeater: appreciated for its citrus character and value.
- Bombay Sapphire: attracts people who enjoy its particular botanical profile, though it can be divisive.
- Gordon’s: remains a practical choice for drinkers who want a familiar gin without paying more for a different flavour profile.
These are individual opinions, not a formal consumer ranking.
3. Which is best for different drinks?
| Drink | Gin to consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Classic gin and tonic | Tanqueray | Its assertive juniper and herbal profile stands up to tonic |
| Citrus-forward gin and tonic | Beefeater | Lemon and orange notes complement citrus garnishes |
| Aromatic gin and tonic | Bombay Sapphire | Its ten botanicals provide a layered flavour |
| Everyday mixed drinks | Gordon’s | A straightforward option when price matters |
| Classic martini | Tanqueray or Beefeater | Both have a clear, traditional dry-gin character |
The mixer matters, too.
A strongly flavoured tonic or sweet juice can mask differences between the gins, while a simple tonic with plenty of ice makes their individual profiles easier to notice.
4. Which has the highest alcohol content?
The standard versions vary by market, so check the label on the bottle you are buying.
| Gin | Typical ABV in some markets |
|---|---|
| Tanqueray London Dry | 43.1% in the UK, 47.3% in the US |
| Beefeater London Dry | 40% in most countries |
| Bombay Sapphire | 40% in the UK |
| Gordon’s London Dry | 37.5% in the UK |
These are examples, not universal strengths.
Higher ABV can make the alcohol more prominent, but it does not automatically mean a gin tastes better. The amount poured also matters when comparing the alcohol in a drink.
My overall assessment
If I were comparing these four by flavour and value rather than brand reputation, I would consider Tanqueray and Beefeater the two most useful starting points for classic gin cocktails. Bombay Sapphire is worth considering if you prefer a more aromatic botanical character, while Gordon’s makes sense if keeping the cost down is important.
The best choice depends on how you drink gin. For a simple gin and tonic, Tanqueray or Beefeater would be my first two to compare. For a more aromatic flavour, try Bombay Sapphire. For a lower-cost everyday option, consider Gordon’s.
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