Tanqueray Gin – London Dry Gin
Cheers to Charles Tanqueray! This brave soul traded the church for the still. And four days to Christmas some people would scoff and groan, but let’s be honest the best drinks were stoked by the monks and clergy.
This traditional London Dry Gin has a proud 180 year tradition of distilling excellence.
Although it originated in England, it is now produced in Scotland and enjoyed world-wide as a trusted brand with consistent quality in it’s mischievous green bottle.
About the Distillery
It all began when Charles Tanqueray launched his distillery in the 1830’s on Vine Street in Bloomsbury. It’s thought that the Tanqueray Gin recipe as we know it today first came about in 1838 – probably even earlier, though older records can’t be found (presumably lost at some point in the company’s 180 year history!). The unchanging nature of the gin is an astonishing feat given how well balanced it is, and how popular it is – even more so when one considers that Charles was a newbie distiller in his early 20’s.
When Charles died in 1868 his son – at the age of 20 – inherited the distillery and continued his pioneering work. Under his guidance, the company grew in success, soon being stocked in up-market grocers and exported to the British Colonies. In 1898 Tanqueray merged with Gordons & Company, cementing their place as the leading force in distilling. Soon after, all production was transferred from the Vine Street Distillery to Gordon’s Goswell Road site.
When prohibition began in the United States in 1920, Tanqueray & Sons allegedly continued to ship gin to islands just off the US coast in cases designed to float. Socialites would then obtain the gin via the black market and speakeasies.
Tanqueray was distilled in the capital until the great air raid of 1941, when the London distillery was almost completely destroyed. Only one of the stills survived the bombing relatively unscathed (repairs had to be made!), and this remaining still, known as “Old Tom”, now resides at Tanqueray’s permanent home in Cameron Bridge, Scotland. Although the brand has been owned by United Distillers from 1986 (now known as Diageo), John Tanqueray, the great great-grandson of Charles Tanqueray, remained involved until his retirement in 1989.
Botanicals
The four botanicals thought to be used are juniper, coriander seed, angelica root and liquorice. They all combine to create a smooth gin, well balanced, juniper dominant taste – something every Gin lover would want. There’s a good reason it’s been so popular across the world: it’s a great gin, it’s easily drinkable and makes for a cracking G&T.
The lack of citrus botanical makes it slightly drier than some other gins, but coriander adds both piquancy and lemon on the nose. Add a healthy citrus twist in the glass and the gin seems to be made for those who enjoy a G&T with a backbone! It’s an interesting gin.
What makes it so special?
According to company legend, Tanqueray was Frank Sinatra’s favourite gin. We also like the story about the crest on the front of the bottle, even though this may not be true. Depicted on the crest are a pineapple and axes. The pineapple is known as a symbol that represented both hospitality and prosperity in the 1800’s, having them in your home was sign of wealth and power (as they were both expensive and hard to get hold of given they would rot before landing ashore, unless they were part of the cargo of the fastest and best ships the navy had). The two axes are allegedly a symbol of the family having taken part in the third crusade. Folklore perhaps, but it makes for a nice anecdote!
TANQUERAY EXPERIENCE
Made in the moment. Mixing mischief and pleasure with the world’s most celebrated gin. Twisting the rules and rejecting mediocrity – sample and share our latest inspirations.
Double Dutch Tonic
Double Dutch is the result of a gin love affair – uniting great spirits with complementary mixers that enliven and enhance. Richard Branson supported the Double Dutch vision by giving the founding twins a Foodpreneur award for their innovative Food and Beverage brand.
From the world’s best mixologists through to those who prefer their G&T on the sofa at home, the Double Dutch twins have created revolutionary mixers to intensify enjoyment of spirits, or to be drunk solo.
Pomegranate & Basil
Often considered to be a superfood, pomegranate has a complex flavour profile that straddles sweet and tart but also offers a tannin note to provide body and structure to cocktails.
Basil, in the anise family, has always been renowned for lifting acidic flavours such as tomatoes and in a soft drink its peppery top note is a superb counterbalance to pomegranate, delivering a complex, exotic mid-taste that supports rather than overwhelming a mixed drink.
Aroma
Herbaceous aroma with a sweet and tangy finish.
Perfect serves
Vodka
50ml Vodka, top with Double Dutch Cucumber & Watermelon. Garnish with lime wedge and chilli pepper
Vermouth
50ml Vermouth, top with Double Dutch Cucumber & Watermelon. Garnish with lemon thyme and lemon zest
Gin
50ml Dry or Citric Gin, top with Double Dutch Cucumber & Watermelon. Mint sprig & cucumber slice garnish.
Tanqueray & Double Dutch Tonic (Pomegranate & Basil)
Follow Tanqueray on Twitter or visit www.tanqueray.com or @Tangueray on Facebook for more information, also on Instagram for some gintail inspiration.
For more information about Double Dutch, click here. Or follow them on Facebook and Twitter, or check out their drink-spiration on Instagram.
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