Tanqueray 10 Review (Our Distiller’s Take)

Tanqueray No. Ten has been around for two decades – it’s one of my favorite gins. Over the years, I have struggled to find a highly acclaimed gin that actually lives up to it’s hype, but this brand deserves its praise.

Tanqueray 10 is distilled with botanicals and fresh citrus. It’s named 10 because of the four botanicals: coriander, licorice, Juniper, and angelica root. But to bring some earthy undertones, the manufacturer has added chamomile flowers, fresh lime, white grapefruit, and fresh citrus fruits. However, Juniper is the dominant ingredient in the gin. Tanqueray No Ten is the only gin to be inducted into the San Francisco World Spirits hall of fame. It’s currently the best-selling gin and bartender’s favorite spirit.

Read on as i explain what i like about Tanqueray 10, and what i dont

Key information

Distillery: Cameron Bridge Distillery

Country: Edinburgh, Scotland

ABV: 47.3%

Bottle Sizes: 750 ml

Known Botanicals: Angelica, Chamomile, Grapefruit, Juniper, Licorice, Lime, Orange, Coriander

Base Spirit: Wheat

Awards: Word’s 50 best Bars award

Flavor Profile  

I enjoy the explosion of fresh citrus with every sip. What makes Tanqueray unique is how it uses Juniper and other botanicals to bring out the extraordinary complex flavor.

The first aroma I get from the glass is Juniper. What follows next is light lime and pine flowers. And this is not the only aroma that comes from the glass. The Juniper flavor is supported by a layer of spices like licorice, black pepper, coriander, and some angelica root. Another wonderful element on the nose is wheat grain.

The full-bodied flavor of lime and pink grapefruit are also notable on the palate. But ultimately, it’s the lime flavor that persists in the glass.

The angelica root is as pronounced – it gives a slightly nutty, spicy flavor. And the influence of chamomile flowers cannot be underestimated. I like the bitter floral spice that combines licorice, coriander, and black pepper notes.

The nose of Tanqueray reflects juniper as the dominant note. Then, the grapefruit and lime become the core stars in the equation. When you compare with the Tanqueray London Dry Gin, the aroma of chamomile flowers is more apparent. Tanqueray No Ten leaves a sweet note on the mid-palate and some earthy taste.

Note – it’s the strong citrus aromatics that make it different from the traditional Tanqueray London Dry Gin.

One thing that makes Tanqueray 10 unique is using fresh citrus instead of dried ones. Most gins in the market use citrus peel in their recipes, but Tanqueray Ten was the first to use orange, lime, and grapefruits.

How we recommend drinking Tanqueray 10

I enjoy drinking Tanqueray NO.10 with some tonic water. My favorite is fever-tree, with the old Schweppes being the second best. I always go for fever-tree when I want to keep my calories down. The gin also goes well with ice and grapefruit.

I like to put both the gin and tonic in the fridge such that it’s cold enough. Of course, there’s no need to dilute the drink. I believe the amount of ice I put in the gin is much of a personal preference – I like lots of ice. But when friends come over to my place, they insist on one or two lumps.

Since this signature drink is specifically for the martini segment, I can pick any garnish. The idea is to bring out the botanicals.

It also perfectly works fine with Gibson and Alaska cocktails. If you want to enjoy the delightful citrus taste and some Juniper, I recommend that you mix it with Lemonade.

Since the powerful citrus aromatics are at its core, Tanqueray is suitable for a range of cocktails. It works better in cocktails like the Southlake, Aviation, and Gin Rickey. After serving, one can enjoy with a tonic, martinis, or a slice of grapefruit. I strongly believe that Tanqueray 10 is one of the few gins that earn the perfect score.

What we like about Tanqueray 10

• The drink is distilled with fresh grapefruits, limes, oranges, and chamomile flowers to bring the explosion of citrus in every sip. It’s bold, balanced, and brings the traditional craft appeal.
• The botanicals make the gin extraordinarily flavorful and complex
• It has earned a place at the hall of fame – an honor everyone is exceptionally proud of
• You can enjoy with a range of drinks like tonic water, ice, and pink grapefruit
• Works well with lemonade and assorted cocktails
• It’s the perfect cocktail for summertime and anytime beverage

What we didn’t like about Tanqueray 10

• A bit expensive compared to the traditional Tanqueray London Dry Gin