Tanqueray London Dry Gin – The Bartender’s Choice Since 1830

Tanqueray London Dry Gin is the original benchmark gin that has defined excellence for nearly 200 years, created by Charles Tanqueray in 1830 in Bloomsbury, London. This perfectly balanced spirit features just four iconic botanicals from Charles’s original recipe – juniper, coriander, angelica root, and liquorice – quadruple-distilled in the legendary “Old Tom” still for absolute smoothness. At 43.1% ABV in South Africa (47.3% in Export markets), Tanqueray delivers a juniper-forward London Dry character with distinctive piney juniper, feint lemon zest, and a unique herbal quality with a dry finish. Now produced by Diageo at Cameronbridge Distillery in Scotland, this iconic green bottle remains the #1 Bartender’s Choice and best-selling spirit in “The World’s 50 Best Bars.” Whether you’re mixing the perfect G&T, crafting a classic Martini, or building a bold Negroni, Tanqueray London Dry has been the professional bartender’s go-to for generations.

Key Facts:

• Brand: Tanqueray London Dry Gin
• Type: London Dry Gin
• Founded: 1830 by Charles Tanqueray in Bloomsbury, London
• Current Owner: Diageo plc
• Production: Cameronbridge Distillery, Fife, Scotland (since 1998)
• ABV: 43.1% in South Africa, 47.3% in Export markets (US, Canada, Europe)
• Bottle Sizes: 50ml, 200ml, 375ml, 750ml, 1L, 1.75L
• Botanicals: Only 4 – juniper, coriander, angelica root, liquorice
• Distillation: Quadruple-distilled in “Old Tom” still
• Character: Juniper-forward, crisp, dry, perfectly balanced
• Awards: Double Gold San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2022

When it comes to proper London Dry Gin that’s stood the test of time, Tanqueray is the real deal, boet! Since 1830, this legendary spirit has been the bartender’s secret weapon for creating perfect cocktails. With that iconic green bottle and distinctive pineapple seal, Tanqueray delivers consistent excellence whether you’re in a world-class cocktail bar in New York or mixing drinks at home in Johannesburg!

History

The Tanqueray Dynasty Begins (1830)

The Tanqueray legacy traces back to the late 1600s when the Tanqueray family relocated from France to England. These devout ancestors spent the next century in service to the church, but by 1830, the younger generation had different ideas – they wanted to make spirits, not save souls!

Charles Tanqueray was born in 1810, the son and grandson of clergymen. Breaking with family tradition, Charles and his brother Edward founded the Tanqueray Distillery in 1830 in Bloomsbury, London, establishing their operation on Vine Street. Charles was a pioneering perfectionist who spent the first years developing a wonderfully balanced recipe that combined rich, full flavour with a bold, invigorating taste.

Tanqueray Timeline:

• 1830: Charles and Edward Tanqueray founded distillery in Bloomsbury, London, creating one of the first non-sweetened, juniper-forward London Dry Gins
• 1838: Retail outlet of Edward & Charles Tanqueray & Co. established on Vine Street, London
• 1850s-1860s: Brand experienced success at home and as far abroad as Jamaica
• 1867: Charles Waugh Tanqueray (Charles’s son) began work at the distillery
• 1893: Company purchased Cardhu distillery to ensure steady supply of quality stock
• 1898: Major merger – Tanqueray and Gordon’s Gin joined forces to become the biggest gin company in the world
• 1906: Range expanded to three blends with white, red, and black labels (ascending age order)
• 1915-1923: Acquired Coleburn (1915), Clynelish, Dailuaine-Talisker (1916), and Mortlach (1923) distilleries
• 1930: Available in 120 countries worldwide
• 1941: WWII tragedy – distillery bombed in German air raids; only the “Old Tom” still survived
• Post-WWII: Distillery rebuilt and resumed production in London
• 1980s: Relocated to purpose-built distillery 30 miles away in Essex
• 1989: Production split between Cameronbridge (base spirit) and Basildon (botanical distillation)
• 1998: Entire production consolidated at Cameronbridge Distillery in Fife, Scotland
• 2000: Tanqueray No. Ten launched, targeting premium martini market
• 2016: Overtook Beefeater as best-selling gin brand globally with 3+ million cases sold
• 2022: Double Gold medal at San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• 2023: Crowned #1 Bartenders’ Choice by Drinks International Magazine
• 2025: Remains the benchmark for London Dry Gin worldwide

The Surviving “Old Tom” Still

When German air raids destroyed much of the Tanqueray Distillery in 1941 during WWII, miraculously the original “Old Tom” still survived. This legendary piece of equipment was rebuilt and relocated, eventually finding its permanent home at Cameronbridge Distillery in Scotland. Today, Tanqueray London Dry is still distilled in this infamous Old Tom still – a direct connection to Charles Tanqueray’s original vision from 1830!

The Pineapple Symbol

The pineapple was the quintessential symbol of hospitality in 1830s England, which is why it appears on the Tanqueray family crest and adorns all brand bottles. The iconic green glass bottle, modelled on the popular three-piece cocktail shaker of the Prohibition era, embodies the vibrant elegance of the Roaring Twenties.

Modern Era Excellence

Under Diageo ownership, Tanqueray has grown from a respected London gin to a global phenomenon. While it doesn’t command a sizeable market share in its native UK market, its largest market is the United States – a legacy of that strategic 1898 decision to focus Tanqueray on US exports while Gordon’s targeted Britain.

Today, Tanqueray London Dry Gin is considered by many as the benchmark for all London Dry Gins and has won multiple awards over the years due to its unmistakable taste. In a poll by “The World’s 50 Best Bars” (Drinks International 2016), Tanqueray ranked best-selling and overall favourite spirit among professional bartenders worldwide!

Production Method

Four Botanicals, Four Distillations, Infinite Excellence

Tanqueray London Dry is unusual and distinctive in that it uses only four botanicals – a remarkably simple recipe that creates extraordinarily complex flavor. This minimalist approach allows each botanical to shine while creating perfect balance.

Production Specifications:

• Base Spirit: Neutral grain spirit (wheat-based) made in-house at Cameronbridge (unusual in gin production where most distillers purchase neutral spirit)
• Distillation Method: Quadruple-distilled for absolute smoothness
• Botanical Count: Only 4 (most gins use 8-15 botanicals)
• Key Botanicals: Juniper, coriander seeds, angelica root, liquorice
• Process: One-shot method (not concentrate dilution)
• Still: The legendary “Old Tom” still (survived WWII bombing)
• Final ABV: 43.1% in South Africa, 47.3% in export markets, 41.3% in UK (lowered in 2023 to avoid increased alcohol duties)

The Four Iconic Botanicals

Tanqueray London Dry is still made with the four iconic botanicals that Charles Tanqueray chose himself in the 1830s:

1. Juniper: Piney, aromatic juniper dominates the character – this is the most signature characteristic of Tanqueray. No other gin quite has that singular juniper note. The juniper is bold, resinous, and unmistakably present from nose to finish.

2. Coriander Seeds: Provides peppery warmth and spicy complexity, contributing to the rich hints of baking spice on the palate. Coriander brings warmth and depth that balances the juniper’s piney aggression.

3. Angelica Root: Adds earthy, herbal quality with hints of candied angelica stalk. This botanical provides the bridge between juniper and the sweeter elements, creating cohesion in the flavor profile.

4. Liquorice: Brings subtle sweetness and smooth texture without being cloying. The liquorice softens the edges and provides a hint of anise character that rounds out the finish.

The Quadruple Distillation Process

Tanqueray London Dry is distilled four times for absolute smoothness and to allow the flavours of the four classic gin botanicals to shine through. The fourth and final distillation takes place in the infamous Old Tom still using a one-shot method.

Unlike gins that create a concentrate requiring dilution with neutral spirit and water, Tanqueray adds only water to bring down to proof after distillation. This results in a purer, more intense botanical character that professional bartenders appreciate for its reliability in cocktails.

Inconvenient Excellence

Tanqueray’s team of distillers is extremely proud of their unique system of “inconveniently sourcing” only the best ingredients. Rather than taking the easy route with readily available botanicals, they seek out the finest quality juniper, coriander, angelica, and liquorice – even if it’s more difficult and expensive. This commitment to quality over convenience has defined Tanqueray for nearly 200 years.

Alcohol Percentage

Tanqueray London Dry Gin is variously bottled at different strengths depending on the market:

South Africa: 43.1% ABV (standard spirit strength in SA)

Export Strength (US, Canada, Germany, Europe): 47.3% ABV (94.6 Proof) – This is the classic “Export Strength” that made Tanqueray famous

United Kingdom: 41.3% ABV (lowered from 47.3% in 2023 to avoid increased alcohol duties; “Export Strength” phrase no longer appears on UK bottles)

The South African Advantage

South African consumers enjoy Tanqueray at 43.1% ABV – higher than the standard 40% ABV of many gins but slightly lower than the legendary Export Strength. This ABV sweet spot provides:

Bold Flavor: Higher proof means more intense botanical character Cocktail Performance: Strong enough to shine through mixers without being overpowering Smooth Finish: Despite the strength, the quadruple distillation ensures remarkable smoothness Value: More alcohol per Rand spent compared to standard 40% gins

At 43.1%, Tanqueray South Africa delivers that signature juniper punch while remaining approachable enough for G&Ts and elegant enough for Martinis.

Number of Calories

Looking to keep track while enjoying the world’s finest G&T? Here’s the calorie breakdown for Tanqueray London Dry Gin:

Calorie Information (43.1% ABV in SA):

• Per 25ml (Single Measure): Approximately 60-65 calories
• Per 50ml (Double Measure): Approximately 120-130 calories
• Per 100ml: Approximately 240-260 calories
• Per 750ml Bottle: Approximately 1,800-1,950 calories total

Nutritional Profile:

• Carbohydrates: 0g (gin is carb-free)
• Sugar: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Gluten: 0g (distillation removes gluten proteins)

Gin & Tonic Calorie Count

When mixing the classic Tanqueray & Tonic:

• Tanqueray neat (25ml): 60-65 calories
• Regular tonic water (150ml): ~65 calories
• Total G&T: Approximately 125-130 calories

Diet Version:

• Tanqueray (25ml): 60-65 calories
• Slimline tonic (150ml): 0 calories
• Total: Only 60-65 calories!

Low-Calorie Spirit Choice

Gin is one of the lowest-calorie spirits available:

• Tanqueray (43.1%): ~65 calories per 25ml
• Vodka (40%): ~54 calories per 25ml
• Whisky (40%): ~54 calories per 25ml
• Glass of wine (12%): ~160 calories per 175ml
• Pint of beer (5%): ~200-250 calories per 500ml

The calories in gin come entirely from alcohol (7 calories per gram), with zero sugar, zero carbs, and zero fat. This makes gin an excellent choice for keto diets, low-carb lifestyles, and calorie-conscious drinkers.

Pro Tip: Mix Tanqueray with soda water and fresh lime for a zero-carb, ultra-low-calorie drink that lets the botanical character shine. Or use diet tonic to keep your G&T under 70 calories while still enjoying premium gin excellence, boet!

Tasting Notes

Juniper-Forward London Dry Excellence

Tanqueray London Dry Gin delivers the quintessential London Dry experience – bold, crisp, and perfectly balanced:

Appearance: Crystal clear with brilliant clarity. The liquid has viscosity that suggests quality spirit and proper distillation.

On the Nose: Juniper is the predominant character on the nose – no other gin quite has that singular juniper note that defines Tanqueray. Bold, piney juniper dominates with resinous, almost Christmas tree-like aromatics. There’s an intriguing intimation of citrus zest (intriguing because citrus is not officially in the botanical list) along with candied angelica stalk and liquorice. The aroma is bright, aromatic, and unmistakably gin – complex fruity and floral notes mingle with the dominant juniper character.

On the Palate: The palate begins with distinctive piney juniper and feint lemon zest, delivering the classic London Dry attack. The taste is very smooth with juniper berries in the foreground surrounded by spicy flavours of liquorice, caraway notes, and hints of fennel. Rich hints of baking spice including angelica root, cinnamon, and coriander seed develop mid-palate, creating layers of complexity.

There’s a unique herbal quality that sets Tanqueray apart – the four botanicals work in perfect harmony without any single element overwhelming the others (except juniper, which rightly takes center stage as the gin’s defining character). The finish on the palate captures angelica and coriander in a way that suggests complexity beyond just four ingredients.

Finish: Long and slightly warm with a dry finish that defines London Dry gin. Mostly spice-forward on the finish with lingering juniper, hints of black pepper, and subtle liqu orice sweetness. The dryness is key – there’s no cloying sweetness, just clean botanical character that invites another sip or makes you reach for your tonic water. The finish is refreshing, crisp, and leaves your palate ready for food, conversation, or another perfectly crafted cocktail.

Overall Character: Tanqueray is juniper-forward, crisp, dry, and perfectly balanced – these four words capture its essence. It’s not trying to be floral, fruity, or fashionable. Instead, it delivers authentic London Dry character that has defined the category for nearly 200 years. The quadruple distillation creates remarkable smoothness despite the higher proof, and the minimalist four-botanical recipe allows each element to shine.

Critical Assessment: Some drinkers find Tanqueray “drinks hot and bitter” or note it’s wedged between Bombay Sapphire and Beefeater in price and character. However, professional bartenders consistently choose Tanqueray for its reliability, bold juniper character, and performance in cocktails. It’s not the most nuanced sipper, but that’s not its purpose – it’s built to be the backbone of great drinks.

Best Served With

The Professional Bartender’s Secret Weapon

Tanqueray London Dry excels in classic cocktails where juniper-forward character is essential:

The Perfect Gin & Tonic:

• 50ml Tanqueray London Dry
• 150ml premium tonic water (Fever-Tree, Schweppes)
• Ice
• Lime wedge garnish

Serve in a highball glass or Spanish copa glass. The bold juniper stands up beautifully to tonic’s bitterness, creating the definitive G&T experience. This is what Tanqueray was born to do!

Classic Martini:

• 60ml Tanqueray London Dry
• 10ml dry vermouth
• Lemon twist or olive garnish

Stir with ice, strain into a chilled martini glass. Tanqueray’s crisp dryness and juniper backbone create the archetypal martini. As one reviewer noted: “I like it in a dirty martini – it stands up to the olive juice/brine while still offering a nice drink.”

Negroni:

• 30ml Tanqueray London Dry
• 30ml Campari
• 30ml sweet vermouth
• Orange peel garnish

Build over ice in a rocks glass, stir, garnish. “It works wonders in a Negroni!” The bold juniper holds its own against Campari’s bitterness and vermouth’s sweetness, creating perfect three-way balance.

Tom Collins:

• 50ml Tanqueray London Dry
• 25ml fresh lemon juice
• 15ml simple syrup
• Soda water top
• Lemon wheel and cherry garnish

Build in a highball glass over ice. Tanqueray’s citrus notes complement fresh lemon beautifully, creating a refreshing long drink perfect for South African summers.

Gimlet:

• 60ml Tanqueray London Dry
• 20ml fresh lime juice
• 10ml simple syrup

Shake with ice, strain into a coupe glass. The juniper-forward character balances the lime’s tartness perfectly.

Other Classic Serves:

• Gin Rickey: Tanqueray + fresh lime + soda water
• Aviation: Tanqueray + maraschino + crème de violette + lemon juice
• French 75: Tanqueray + lemon juice + simple syrup + champagne
• Bee’s Knees: Tanqueray + lemon juice + honey syrup
• Corpse Reviver #2: Tanqueray + Cointreau + Lillet Blanc + lemon juice + absinthe

Food Pairings:

Seafood:

• Oysters with mignonette
• Smoked salmon
• Grilled prawns
• Sushi and sashimi
• Fish and chips

Light Fare:

• Cucumber sandwiches (classic G&T pairing)
• Goat cheese and herbs
• Olives and antipasti
• Fresh salads with citrus vinaigrette

British Classics:

• Roast beef with horseradish
• Shepherd’s pie
• Fish pie
• Ploughman’s lunch

Serving Wisdom:

Temperature: Chill the bottle or store in the freezer for ultra-smooth neat pours Glassware: Highball for G&T, coupe or Nick & Nora for Martini, rocks glass for Negroni Garnishes: Keep it simple – lime for G&T, lemon twist for Martini, orange peel for Negroni Mixing Ratio: 1 part Tanqueray to 3 parts tonic for classic balance, adjust to taste

Pro Tips from the Pros:

1. Always use fresh citrus – never bottled lime or lemon juice
2. Quality tonic matters – Tanqueray deserves Fever-Tree, Schweppes, or Fentimans
3. Stir, don’t shake Martinis – shaking “bruises” the gin and creates cloudiness
4. Large ice cubes melt slower, keeping drinks cold without over-dilution
5. Measure precisely – bartenders use jiggers for consistency, you should too

Whether you’re at a world-class cocktail bar or mixing at home, Tanqueray London Dry delivers consistent excellence that professional bartenders have trusted for generations!

Where to Buy

South African Retailers

Tanqueray London Dry Gin (43.1% ABV) is widely available across South Africa at major retailers:

National Retail Chains:

• Makro – Tanqueray London Dry Gin 750ml regularly stocked with promotional pricing
• Pick n Pay – Tanqueray London Dry Gin 750ml available (R349.99 via PriceCheck)
• Woolworths – Tanqueray London Dry Gin 750ml with online ordering and home delivery
• Shoprite Liquorshop – Available nationwide with occasional specials
• Checkers Liquor – Stocked at major Checkers locations
• Tops at Spar – Available at larger Spar stores

Online Retailers & Delivery:

• Mother City Liquor – Tanqueray London Dry Gin 750ml with 0-2 day local delivery (Western Cape), 2-5 days national
• Norman Goodfellows (NGF) – Tanqueray London Dry Gin 750ml (R299.00) with nationwide delivery
• Big Five Duty Free – Tanqueray London Dry Gin 1L available
• Woodstock Liquors – Online ordering available
• Liquor.co.za – Nationwide delivery

Available Formats:

• 50ml miniatures: Perfect for trying or travel
• 200ml bottles: Single-serve or gift size
• 375ml bottles: Half-bottle format
• 750ml bottles: Standard format (most widely available)
• 1 litre bottles: Better value for regular consumers
• 1.75L bottles: Best value, available at select retailers

Availability Notes:

Tanqueray London Dry (the standard green bottle) is one of the most reliably stocked premium gins in South Africa. The 750ml bottle is universally available, while other formats may have more limited distribution.

Tanqueray No. Ten (the ultra-premium variant at 47.3% with fresh citrus), Rangpur (with Rangpur limes), and Flor de Sevilla (with Seville oranges) are also available at premium retailers but with more limited distribution than the flagship London Dry.

Pro Shopping Tip: Compare prices using Muddler.co.za or PriceCheck.co.za – pricing can vary R50-R80 between retailers. Watch for promotions at Makro and Shoprite where prices drop during festive seasons and long weekends!

Prices

Current South African Pricing (2024-2025)

Tanqueray London Dry Gin (43.1% ABV) – Bottle Prices:

750ml Bottle (Most Common):

• Pick n Pay (via PriceCheck): R349.99
• Johnny’s (via Muddler): R269.90 (best single price found)
• Norman Goodfellows: R299.00
• Estimated Range Across Retailers: R270-R350 per 750ml bottle
• Typical Retail: R290-R330 at major chains

1 Litre Bottle:

• Estimated Price: R380-R450 per litre
• Available at: Big Five Duty Free, select premium retailers
• Better value per millilitre for regular consumers

200ml Bottles:

• Estimated Price: R90-R120 per 200ml
• Perfect for: Trying before committing to full bottle, gifts

50ml Miniatures:

• Estimated Price: R25-R35 per miniature
• Great for: Travel, sampling, events

Value Analysis

At R270-R350 per 750ml bottle, Tanqueray London Dry offers exceptional value for a genuine London Dry Gin with 190+ years of heritage:

Cost Per Serve:

• Standard G&T (50ml gin): R18-R23 per drink
• Martini (60ml gin): R22-R28 per cocktail
• Shot (25ml): R9-R12

Comparison to Alternatives:

• Bombay Sapphire (750ml): R280-R350 (similar pricing, more botanicals, less juniper-forward)
• Beefeater (750ml): R230-R280 (slightly cheaper, similar quality)
• Gordon’s (750ml): R180-R230 (budget option, simpler profile)
• Hendrick’s (750ml): R380-R450 (premium pricing, cucumber/rose character)
• Tanqueray No. Ten (750ml): R450-R550 (ultra-premium with fresh citrus)

Value Proposition:

For R270-R350, Tanqueray London Dry delivers:

• 190+ years of gin-making heritage
• Quadruple distillation for smoothness
• #1 Bartenders’ Choice globally
• Consistent quality from trusted global brand (Diageo)
• Versatile for mixing and occasional sipping
• Higher ABV (43.1%) than many competitors
• Iconic packaging and brand recognition

Best Value Options:

1. Johnny’s at R269.90 (via Muddler.co.za) – lowest single price
2. Norman Goodfellows at R299.00 – reliable online option
3. 1L bottles offer best price per millilitre
4. Watch for Makro/Shoprite promotions – can drop to R250-R280

International Price Context:

Global Tanqueray pricing averages $32-$40 USD (approximately R580-R720) for 750ml, making South African pricing (R270-R350 = $15-$19 USD) exceptionally competitive. SA consumers enjoy excellent value compared to international markets!

Pro Tip: Stock up when Makro or Shoprite runs specials on Tanqueray – prices can drop to R250-R280 during promotions. At that price point, you’re getting world-class London Dry Gin for less than the cost of a decent bottle of wine. The #1 Bartenders’ Choice doesn’t have to break the bank, boet!

Frequently Asked Questions About Tanqueray London Dry Gin

What makes Tanqueray different from other gins?

Tanqueray London Dry uses only four botanicals (juniper, coriander, angelica root, liquorice) compared to 8-15 in most gins. This minimalist approach creates a bold, juniper-forward character that’s become the benchmark for London Dry gin. It’s quadruple-distilled in the legendary “Old Tom” still that survived WWII bombing, ensuring absolute smoothness. Professional bartenders worldwide rank it #1 for reliability and performance in cocktails.

Who founded Tanqueray and when?

Charles Tanqueray founded the Tanqueray Distillery with his brother Edward in 1830 in Bloomsbury, London. Charles, a pastor’s son who broke with family tradition, created one of the first non-sweetened, juniper-forward London Dry Gins. His original recipe with four botanicals is still used today, nearly 200 years later!

What does Tanqueray taste like?

Tanqueray delivers bold, piney juniper dominating the nose and palate, with feint lemon zest, peppery coriander, earthy angelica, and subtle liquorice sweetness. It’s crisp, dry, and perfectly balanced – the quintessential London Dry character. The finish is long, slightly warm, and refreshingly dry without cloying sweetness. It’s juniper-forward without being aggressive, smooth despite higher proof.

What’s the alcohol percentage of Tanqueray in South Africa?

Tanqueray London Dry Gin is 43.1% ABV (86.2 Proof) in South Africa, which is the standard spirit strength in SA. This is higher than the standard 40% ABV of many gins but slightly lower than the legendary Export Strength (47.3%) sold in the US, Canada, and Europe. The higher proof means more intense flavor and better value.

How many calories are in Tanqueray?

A 25ml single measure of Tanqueray (43.1% ABV) contains approximately 60-65 calories with zero carbs, zero sugar, and zero fat. A classic Tanqueray & Tonic (25ml gin + 150ml regular tonic) has about 125-130 calories total. Mix with diet tonic for only 60-65 calories! Gin is one of the lowest-calorie spirits and is keto-friendly.

What’s the best way to drink Tanqueray?

The classic Tanqueray & Tonic is legendary – 50ml Tanqueray + 150ml premium tonic + ice + lime wedge in a highball glass. It also excels in Martinis (stirred, not shaken, with lemon twist), Negronis (perfect juniper backbone), and Tom Collins. Professional bartenders prefer Tanqueray for its reliability and bold character that shines through mixers without being overpowering.

Where is Tanqueray made?

Tanqueray is currently produced at Cameronbridge Distillery in Fife, Scotland (since 1998), though it originated in Bloomsbury, London in 1830. The production was moved to Scotland after the London distillery was bombed during WWII. The legendary “Old Tom” still survived the bombing and was relocated to Scotland, where Tanqueray is still distilled today using Charles Tanqueray’s original recipe.

Is Tanqueray gluten-free?

Yes! While Tanqueray is made from wheat-based neutral grain spirit, the distillation process removes gluten proteins, making the final product gluten-free. All pure distilled spirits, including gin, are considered gluten-free regardless of the grain source. However, those with severe celiac disease should consult their doctor.

What’s the difference between Tanqueray London Dry and Tanqueray No. Ten?

Tanqueray London Dry (43.1% ABV in SA) uses four classic botanicals and is the original 1830 recipe – juniper-forward and perfect for mixing. Tanqueray No. Ten (47.3% ABV) was introduced in 2000 as an ultra-premium gin distilled with whole fresh citrus (grapefruit, orange, lime) and chamomile flowers, targeted at the martini market. No. Ten is smoother, more citrus-forward, and significantly more expensive.

Why is there a pineapple on the Tanqueray bottle?

The pineapple was the quintessential symbol of hospitality in 1830s England, which is why it appears on the Tanqueray family crest and adorns all bottles. The iconic green glass bottle design is modelled on the popular three-piece cocktail shaker of the Prohibition era, embodying the vibrant elegance of the Roaring Twenties.

Where can I buy Tanqueray in South Africa?

Tanqueray London Dry is widely available at Makro, Pick n Pay (R349.99), Woolworths, Shoprite, Checkers, Tops at Spar, and online at Mother City Liquor, Norman Goodfellows (R299.00), Johnny’s (R269.90 best price), and Big Five Duty Free. The 750ml bottle is the most common format, with 1L bottles offering better value at select retailers.

Is Tanqueray worth the price?

Absolutely, boet! At R270-R350 for 750ml (best price R269.90 at Johnny’s), Tanqueray offers exceptional value for a gin with 190+ years of heritage, quadruple distillation, #1 Bartenders’ Choice status, and consistent quality from Diageo. It’s the benchmark London Dry Gin trusted by professionals worldwide – you’re getting world-class quality without premium pricing.

Tanqueray London Dry Gin isn’t just a spirit – it’s nearly 200 years of gin-making excellence in every bottle. From Charles Tanqueray’s pioneering vision in 1830 to becoming the #1 Bartenders’ Choice globally, Tanqueray has earned its legendary status through unwavering commitment to quality, consistency, and that bold juniper character that defines London Dry gin.

Whether you’re crafting the perfect G&T at home, ordering a Martini at a world-class bar, or building a Negroni for sundowners with friends, Tanqueray delivers reliable excellence that professional bartenders have trusted for generations. With that iconic green bottle, distinctive pineapple seal, and the knowledge that you’re drinking gin from the legendary “Old Tom” still that survived WWII bombs, every sip connects you to gin history.

So raise your glass, appreciate the juniper, and remember – when in doubt, order what the bartenders drink. Tanqueray London Dry: the benchmark since 1830!

Tanqueray London Dry Gin – The Bartender’s Choice Since 1830.

Drink responsibly. Not for sale to persons under 18.