Is Gilbey’s Gin as good as Beefeaters? If you’ve ever stood in the spirits aisle trying to choose between a familiar, budget-friendly option and a classic London Dry, this is the question that probably crossed your mind.
Gilbey’s Gin has long been known as an easy-drinking, no-frills option, while Beefeater carries a reputation for quality and tradition.
In this post, I’ll break down what sets them apart, how they taste, and which one might be the better choice for your cocktails or sipping straight.
Table of Contents
Gilbey’s Gin
- A classic London Dry gin known for being inexpensive and easy‑drinking with a juniper and citrus‑forward profile that’s clean and simple. Reviewers say it’s fine for mixed drinks like gin & tonic but not particularly refined or complex. Some find it a bit sharp or basic compared with higher‑end gins. Ratings from community reviews and spirit sites often place it around everyday, usable quality but not outstanding.
- Many drinkers treat it as a budget option that works in cocktails but wouldn’t be their choice neat or in premium drinks.
Beefeater Gin
- A classic London Dry gin with a long history and solid reputation. It’s made with a specific botanical recipe that gives it bold juniper and citrus flavours, plus spices and herbs that make it fairly well‑rounded. Reviewers describe it as classic, reliable, and versatile for cocktails like gin & tonic, martinis, and more.
- Beefeater is often ranked higher than many budget gins in expert tastings and value lists, showing it’s regarded as a strong example of its style.
So, Is Gilbey’s Gin as Good as Beefeaters?
- Not usually. Beefeater tends to be regarded as higher quality with more balanced botanicals and a fuller flavour profile, while Gilbey’s is viewed as simpler and more basic, suitable for casual use or mixed drinks but less impressive on its own.
- If you’re looking for a classic gin that stands up well in cocktails and has broader appeal, Beefeater is generally considered the better choice. Gilbey’s is fine if you want something affordable that gets the job done in a mixed drink.
READ ALSO: Gordon’s Gin vs Tanqueray: 2 Popular Gins Compared & More
Gordons or Beefeater: What is Gordon’s Gin?
Gordon’s gin is the world’s number one best-selling (and my favorite) gin.
It has been made to the same recipe since the late 18th century.
Gordon’s gin is the only gin to display the royal coat of arms on its bottle, by appointment of Her Majesty the Queen of England.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Fresh, with juniper and citrus
Palate: Dry and fresh, with juniper and citrus
Finish: Short and light, with juniper and citrus
The makers of Gordon’s gin recommend that it be drunk in a gin and tonic, served with a wedge of lime—first squeezed into the cocktail and then dropped in.
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READ ALSO: How Is Gin Gilbeys Best Drunk?
Gordon’s / Beefeater: My Personal Take on Beefeater or Gordons Gin
If you ask me which gin I would like in a gin & tonic, my default response would be Gordon’s gin.
If that were not an option, I would then request for Hendrick’s, especially if I could have cucumber in my G & T.
Although I do find Beefeater an aromatic gin, at 47% alcohol by volume, it is a bit too strong for me.
That 7% difference between Beefeater and Gordon’s is not only one I can taste but also one I can feel quickly, even after one drink, so I definitely prefer Gordon’s vs Beefeater.
READ ALSO: Comprehensive Gilbeys Gin Review 2025
Readers Weigh in on Beesfeater / Gordons Gin
Matthew D. Erulkar, a reader, had this to say about the two gins:
I have drunk Gordons and found it tasting either oily or like paint thinner. Gilbey’s really does not have a pronounced character of any sort, but I prefer that to the citric tones of Beefeaters.
VaSlim, another reader, had this to say:
Hey, without question; different gins for the two very differed different drinks……….
1. Gilbey’s for a martini if you can’t afford Beefeater,
2. Burnett’s for a gin & tonic if you can’t afford Tanqueray.
But Gordon’s is one gin that can do both!!! Besides, if it was good enough for 007 (although it was 94 proof in the day vs. the present 80), surely it is good enough for us mere mortals!!!”
Gordons vs Beefeater: Origins & Ownership
- Gordon’s Gin
- First produced in 1769 by Alexander Gordon in London. Now owned by Diageo.
- Triple-distilled London Dry; the recipe remains secret and unchanged for centuries.
- Beefeater Gin
- Launched in 1863 by James Burrough; still distilled in London by Pernod Ricard.
- Uses a traditional London Dry approach with botanicals steeped for 24 hours.
Gordon vs Beefeater: Alcohol Content (ABV)
- Gordon’s
- Ranges from 37% (UK) to 40% (US); a 47.3% “Traveller’s Edition” is also available.
- Beefeater
- Standard ABV is 40%; previously higher (44–47%) in some markets, but now 40%.
- Also offered in a 47% strength and variants like Beefeater 24.
Gilbey’s is a lighter gin than Beefeater.
Starting with each gin’s alcohol content: Gilbey’s Gin is 37.5% ABV while Beefeater is 40-47% ABV depending on which market you drink it in.
As I mentioned in this post, Gilbey’s Gin has light, floral aromas of juniper along with hints of sweet orange while Beefeater Gin has big juniper character and strong citrus notes.
From personal experience, Gilbey’s Gin has a bit of a forgettable taste in the mouth while Beefeater is bound to make a stronger impression, be it positive or negative, depending on your personal preferences.
Photo credits: @ Monticello