By All Things Beverages | allthingsbeverages.co.za
Walk into any bar in South Africa — from a backstreet tavern in Durban to a rooftop spot in Sandton — and you’ll find both of them behind the counter. Tanqueray in its iconic green bottle. Bombay Sapphire in that unmistakable electric blue. Both are London Dry gins. Both sit at roughly the same price point. Both have been on those shelves for as long as anyone can remember.
And yet they could not taste more different.
This is one of the great gin debates — not as emotionally tribal as Castle vs Black Label, but just as hotly contested among people who actually care about what’s in their glass. Tanqueray drinkers will tell you Bombay is soft and lacks conviction. Bombay drinkers will tell you Tanqueray is a one-trick juniper pony.
Both sides have a point. Here’s the definitive guide to help you choose yours.
A Tale of Two Origins
Tanqueray: The 1830 Original
Charles Tanqueray established his distillery in Bloomsbury, London, in 1830, at just 20 years old. He was the son of a clergyman and had no family background in distilling — just a talent for precise blending and an obsession with quality. He experimented relentlessly with botanical combinations before settling on a recipe so good that it hasn’t been changed in nearly 200 years.
The original Tanqueray recipe uses just four botanicals: juniper, coriander seed, angelica root, and liquorice. That’s it. Four ingredients that have remained unchanged since the 1830s while the rest of the gin world experimented, evolved, and reinvented itself.
Tanqueray survived the bombing of its London distillery during World War II — only one still survived the Blitz, which the brand named “Old Tom.” It’s still in use today, now at the Cameronbridge Distillery in Scotland, where Tanqueray has been produced since moving north decades ago. The brand is now owned by Diageo.
Today, Tanqueray is the number one bartender’s choice gin in the world — the most ordered gin at the world’s 50 best bars. That’s not marketing. That’s professionals who taste everything choosing one bottle above all others when they need gin to do serious work.
Bombay Sapphire: The 1987 Moderniser
Bombay Sapphire is considerably younger — launched in 1987 by wine merchants IDV (later absorbed into Diageo’s rival, Bacardi). Where Tanqueray built its identity on restraint and tradition, Bombay Sapphire built its identity on boldness, transparency, and modernity.
The blue bottle was a statement — gins at the time came in clear or green glass. The name was a statement. And the ingredient list printed right on the bottle was a radical statement: at a time when gin recipes were closely guarded secrets, Bombay published all ten of theirs for anyone to read.
Bombay Sapphire uses ten botanicals sourced from around the world: Italian juniper berries, Moroccan coriander seeds, Spanish almonds, Indonesian cassia bark, French orris root, Italian lemon peel, West African grains of paradise, Java cubeb berries, Bulgarian angelica seeds, and Vietnamese cassia bark. The brand employs an official Master of Botanicals to maintain the quality and provenance of every ingredient — a position that didn’t exist in gin before Bombay created it.
Bombay Sapphire is distilled at the stunning Laverstoke Mill Distillery in Hampshire, England — a beautifully converted Victorian paper mill that now features glasshouses growing many of the gin’s botanicals and is one of the world’s most architecturally remarkable spirits destinations.
The Key Technical Difference: How They’re Made
Both are London Dry gins — meaning no artificial flavours, no colours added after distillation, and juniper must dominate. But the production methods are fundamentally different, and this is where the flavour difference starts.
Tanqueray — Traditional Pot Still Maceration: The botanicals are steeped directly in the neutral spirit before distillation in copper pot stills. This direct contact between spirit and botanicals during maceration produces bolder, more deeply integrated flavour. Tanqueray is quadruple-distilled for exceptional smoothness. The result: intensity and conviction in every sip.
Bombay Sapphire — Vapour Infusion: Bombay uses a unique vapour infusion method — the botanicals are held in copper baskets above the spirit, and alcohol vapour passes through them during distillation rather than steeping directly in the liquid. This gentler extraction preserves the more delicate aromatic qualities of each botanical without extracting harsh tannins or bitter compounds. The result: a lighter, more aromatic, more floral gin where each botanical contributes without dominating.
This is the fundamental technical reason they taste so different — not just the botanicals themselves, but how those botanicals get into the glass.
Botanicals: Four vs Ten
This is the simplest and most telling difference between the two gins.
Tanqueray London Dry: 4 botanicals
- Juniper berries
- Coriander seeds
- Angelica root
- Liquorice root
Tanqueray’s philosophy: do fewer things perfectly. Four botanicals, unchanged since 1830, selected because each plays a specific and essential role. Juniper is the backbone — piney, resinous, assertive. Coriander adds spice and subtle citrus. Angelica root contributes earthy, herbal bitterness. Liquorice adds a soft sweetness and lingering finish.
Bombay Sapphire: 10 botanicals
- Italian juniper berries
- Moroccan coriander seeds
- Spanish almonds
- Indonesian cassia bark
- French orris root
- Italian lemon peel
- West African grains of paradise
- Java cubeb berries
- Bulgarian angelica seeds
- Vietnamese cassia bark (Saigon)
Bombay’s philosophy: global provenance, layered complexity, and transparency about what’s in the bottle. The ten botanicals layer on top of each other — juniper is present but not dominant, making space for citrus, floral, and spice notes to breathe.
Head to Head: How Do They Actually Taste?
Tanqueray London Dry
ABV: 47.3% (export) / 43.1% in South Africa SA price range: approx. R380–R480 (750ml)
Appearance: Clear, water-white. No colour, as befits a proper London Dry.
Nose: This is where Tanqueray announces itself. Strong, piney juniper hits you immediately — more assertive than almost any other gin at this price point. Behind the juniper: hints of lemon zest, a touch of angelica earthiness, and a soft whisper of spice. There’s no mistaking what this is.
Palate: Juniper reigns supreme, complemented by a graceful mix of citrus and peppery notes, coriander spice, and the earthy warmth of angelica root. The liquorice provides a subtle sweetness on the mid-palate that softens what could otherwise be an austere dryness. Despite its boldness, Tanqueray is remarkably smooth — the quadruple distillation does real work here.
Finish: Long and warm. Juniper and spice linger. The higher ABV adds warmth that extends the finish considerably.
In one sentence: Bold, assertive, juniper-first, and utterly unapologetic about it.
Bombay Sapphire
ABV: 40% SA price range: approx. R360–R460 (750ml)
Appearance: Clear, water-white in a blue bottle that makes it look like it might glow in the dark. (It doesn’t. But it wouldn’t be surprising.)
Nose: Immediately more lifted and aromatic than Tanqueray. Acidic lemon leads — bright, fresh, citrusy — backed by a soft halo of florals, gentle spice, and something almost powdery from the orris root. It smells airy and inviting rather than intense.
Palate: Where Tanqueray punches, Bombay glows. The lower ABV allows the ten botanicals to emerge in sequence rather than all at once — citrus leads, then the grains of paradise deliver a gentle spiciness, then the almonds add a faint nuttiness, and the cassia bark brings a soft warmth. Juniper is present but plays a supporting role rather than commanding the stage.
Finish: Medium length, smooth, and pleasantly citrusy. Clean and refreshing — it invites the next sip without demanding it.
In one sentence: Elegant, approachable, floral and citrus-led — a gin that wears its complexity lightly.
Which Makes the Better G&T?
The gin and tonic is where most people will encounter both of these gins, and the answer genuinely depends on what you want from the experience.
Tanqueray G&T: The bold juniper character stands up beautifully to tonic’s bitterness, creating what many call the definitive G&T — classic, dry, and unambiguous. Use a premium tonic (Fever-Tree or 1724), garnish with a wedge of lime or lemon, and serve ice cold. This is what a G&T is supposed to taste like according to purists.
Bombay Sapphire G&T: The lighter, more aromatic profile creates a more delicate, floral G&T — the lemon and floral notes from the vapour-infused botanicals lift the drink in a different direction. Works beautifully with elderflower tonic and a cucumber garnish for a more contemporary, sophisticated serve.
For classic G&T purists: Tanqueray. For those who like their G&T lighter and more aromatic: Bombay Sapphire.
Which Makes the Better Cocktail?
Martini: Tanqueray — the bold juniper and dry finish is exactly what a proper martini requires. Stirred, not shaken. With a twist of lemon. Professional bartenders globally agree.
Negroni: Tanqueray — the herbal assertiveness holds its own against Campari and sweet vermouth. Bombay can get a bit lost in the mix.
Tom Collins: Bombay Sapphire — the citrus-forward profile amplifies the lemon juice beautifully.
Singapore Sling: Bombay Sapphire — the floral, layered aromatics suit this complex, tropical cocktail.
Gimlet: Either, depending on preference — Tanqueray for a classic, drier version; Bombay for a more aromatic, citrus-lifted result.
Gin Spritz (with Aperol or elderflower): Bombay Sapphire — its lightness works beautifully in long, refreshing summer drinks.
The Full Ranges: Beyond the Flagship
Both brands produce more than just their classic expressions, and several of these are worth exploring.
The Tanqueray Range
Tanqueray London Dry — The classic. The bartender’s gin. The benchmark.
Tanqueray No. TEN (R700–R900) The premium expression and, for many tasters, a genuinely revelatory gin. Where London Dry uses four botanicals in dried form, No. TEN uses fresh whole citrus fruits — white grapefruit, orange, and lime — alongside chamomile flowers, for a gin that’s far more aromatic and textured. It’s sharper, more tailored, and more complex than the flagship. A silk suit vs London Dry’s reliable leather jacket. Outstanding in a martini.
Tanqueray Rangpur (R480–R580) Uses Rangpur limes — a citrus hybrid with an intensely aromatic, sharp citrus character — plus ginger root and bay leaves. The most citrus-forward Tanqueray expression. Brilliant in a G&T with a Rangpur lime garnish.
Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla (R450–R550) Flavoured gin (technically a gin liqueur) using Sevilla bitter oranges. Sweeter and more approachable than London Dry — excellent over ice or in a spritz. Good gateway option for people who find classic London Dry too assertive.
Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale (R420–R500) Dark berry-led flavoured gin. Smooth and versatile — works well in a gin and tonic or a berry spritz.
The Bombay Sapphire Range
Bombay Sapphire — The classic. The gateway gin. The blue bottle.
Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru — Murcian Lemon (R700–R900) Uses Verna lemons from Murcia, Spain — one of the world’s finest lemon-growing regions — for an elevated, more intensely citrus expression of the Sapphire house style. More complex and refined than the flagship. Excellent neat over a large ice cube.
Star of Bombay (R750–R950) A premium evolution of Sapphire using twelve botanicals including bergamot orange peel and ambrette seeds. Slow-distilled for longer to extract more complexity. Fuller, richer, and more aromatic than classic Sapphire — a step up in both price and sophistication.
Bombay Bramble (R380–R480) Infused with fresh blackberries and raspberries. Naturally bright red — no added colours. Sweet, fruity, and completely accessible. Perfect in a simple Bramble cocktail or a summery G&T.
The Price Reality in South Africa
Both flagship expressions sit at virtually identical price points in SA — roughly R360–R480 for a 750ml bottle depending on the retailer, making the choice genuinely taste-driven rather than budget-driven.
Where the ranges diverge is at the premium tier: Tanqueray No. TEN and Star of Bombay both sit in the R700–R950 range and represent significantly different experiences from their entry-level siblings — both are well worth the step up for special occasions or gift buying.
So Which Should You Buy?
Buy Tanqueray if:
- You are a classic gin purist who wants juniper front and centre
- You’re making a Martini, Negroni, or any cocktail where gin needs to assert itself
- You value tradition, restraint, and the idea that four perfect ingredients beat ten average ones
- You want the gin that professional bartenders worldwide choose above all others
Buy Bombay Sapphire if:
- You’re newer to gin and want something approachable and crowd-pleasing
- You like lighter, more aromatic, floral G&Ts
- You’re making citrus-forward cocktails like a Tom Collins or gin spritz
- You appreciate the transparency of seeing what’s in the bottle
- You want a conversation piece — that blue bottle never stops getting compliments
Buy Tanqueray No. TEN if:
- You want to step up from the classics and explore what gin can really do
- You’re serious about gin martinis
- You’re gifting someone who appreciates quality over packaging
Buy Star of Bombay if:
- You love Sapphire but want more depth and complexity
- You’re treating yourself to a special bottle without going to extreme price points
The honest summary: For cocktails and bar work, Tanqueray. For casual, accessible, sociable drinking and G&Ts, Bombay Sapphire. For the best of both worlds, keep one of each.
FAQs
Is Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire better? Neither is objectively better — they represent genuinely different gin philosophies. Tanqueray is bolder, more juniper-forward, and the world’s top bartenders choose it for serious cocktail work. Bombay Sapphire is lighter, more aromatic, and more approachable for gin beginners. The best choice depends on what you’re making and what you enjoy.
Why does Tanqueray taste stronger than Bombay Sapphire? Tanqueray is bottled at 47.3% ABV internationally (43.1% in SA), compared to Bombay Sapphire’s 40% ABV. The higher alcohol content amplifies Tanqueray’s bold juniper character and extends the finish.
What are the ten botanicals in Bombay Sapphire? Italian juniper berries, Moroccan coriander seeds, Spanish almonds, Indonesian cassia bark, French orris root, Italian lemon peel, West African grains of paradise, Java cubeb berries, Bulgarian angelica seeds, and Vietnamese Saigon cassia bark.
What is Tanqueray No. TEN? Tanqueray’s premium expression, made using fresh whole citrus fruits — white grapefruit, orange, and lime — alongside chamomile flowers. More aromatic and complex than the classic London Dry, it’s widely considered one of the finest gins available at any price point.
Which gin is better for a G&T? Tanqueray for a classic, juniper-forward G&T. Bombay Sapphire for a lighter, more floral, aromatic version. Both are excellent — your preference depends on how assertive you want your gin to be in the drink.
Are Tanqueray and Bombay Sapphire available in South Africa? Yes — both are widely available at Checkers Liquorshop, Tops at SPAR, Pick n Pay Liquor, Makro, and specialist stores like Norman Goodfellows. The flagship expressions are similarly priced at around R360–R480 for 750ml.
The Bottom Line
Tanqueray and Bombay Sapphire are two of the greatest gins ever made — and they taste almost nothing alike. Tanqueray is precision and tradition: four botanicals, unchanged for nearly 200 years, doing exactly what they were designed to do. Bombay Sapphire is modernity and accessibility: ten global botanicals, innovative vapour infusion, and a transparency about its craft that helped transform gin’s image worldwide.
The good news is that you don’t have to pick just one. A bottle of Tanqueray for the classic G&T and the Friday night Negroni. A bottle of Bombay Sapphire for the summer spritz and the guests who aren’t sure they like gin yet.
Both deserve a place on your shelf. And your SA craft gins — Inverroche, Six Dogs, Hope on Hopkins — deserve the shelf space next to them.
Sip responsibly. 18+. Not for sale to persons under the age of 18.
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