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Tanqueray No. Ten
About Tanqueray No. Ten
Even before my first experience with Tanqueray, the recent review for Tanqueray London Dry Gin, I had heard murmurs around the internet and Youtube that Tanqueray No. Ten was an upgrade. So after finding the London Dry somewhat underwhelming, I was eager to see if these claims held any weight.
Tanqueray No. Ten launched in 2000, and was Tanqueray’s attempt to modernize their legendary gin. They use the same four botanicals as the London dry: juniper, coriander, angelica root, and licorice, and add chamomile, grapefruit, lime, and orange.
Bottle Specs
❖ Spirit: Contemporary Gin
❖ Distillery: Produced and Bottled in Great Britian for Charles Tanqueray and Co.
❖ ABV: 47.3% (94.6 Proof)
❖ Moderate Price
Tasting Notes
❖ Nose: Grapefruit, Lime, Pine, Bit of heat
❖ Taste: Grapefruit, Bit of tingling on the tongue, Floral sweetness, Juniper
❖ Finish: Long, Slightly Bitter, Pepper, Earthy, Juniper, Pine
Cocktail
50/50 Martini
1 1/4 oz Gin
1 1/4 oz Dry Vermouth
1 Dash of Orange Bitters
❖ Add bitters, gin, and dry vermouth to a mixing glass
❖ Add ice and stir until chilled
❖ Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a grapefruit twist
I usually prefer a dry martini, with a 2:1 or 3:1 ration of gin to vermouth, so I was intrigued when Tanqueray recommended using No. Ten in a 50/50 Martini. And while I think I might still prefer a higher ratio of gin, I was still impressed with the balance of this recipe. There were plenty of fresh herbal notes from the dry vermouth, but I was still able to get plenty of the bold citrus flavor from Tanqueray No. 10. I was also surprised at the amount of bitterness that came through on the finish. It was a much stronger flavor than when I drank it neat, but it still didn’t overpower the cocktail.
Bottom Line
RATING: 4/5
Although Tanqueray No. Ten was created to modernize the brand, it’s still able to retain the key flavors of the classic recipe. It maintains the strong juniper and pine notes from Tanqueray London Dry, but the additional botanicals contribute vibrant citrus and floral notes that elevate No. Ten above its predecessor. I personally prefer its overall balance and complexity, especially when drinking it neat.
One of my biggest disappointments with the London Dry Gin was its taste in spirit-forward cocktails. However, this is where Tanqueray No. Ten excels. The high ABV, silky mouthfeel and combination of flavors come together perfectly in a Martini, but also work well in other mixed drinks, like a gin and tonic. And while the price is significantly higher than the London Dry, I think it’s well worth the price. Unless you are specifically looking for the classic juniper flavor of the original recipe, I don’t think I would ever choose classic Tanqueray over No. Ten.
As always, drink responsibly.
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