Tanqueray vs Bombay Sapphire

Tanqueray and Bombay Sapphire are two of the most popular gin brands in the world.

Both are London Dry gins, which means that they are made with a specific set of botanicals and have a high alcohol content. While they share many similarities, there are also some key differences between the two that are worth exploring.

Tanqueray was first launched in 1830 by Charles Tanqueray and is produced in the same distillery as Gordon’s Gin. It has a distinctive taste that is characterized by juniper, pine, and lemon zest. Tanqueray is also known for its high alcohol content, which is 47.3%. It is distilled at Cameron Bridge Distillery near Edinburgh, Scotland and is priced between $15 and $20 per bottle.

Bombay Sapphire, on the other hand, was first launched in 1987 by Bacardi. It has a more complex flavor profile that is characterized by 10 botanicals, including juniper, coriander, and citrus peel. Bombay Sapphire has a lower alcohol content than Tanqueray, which is 40%. It is distilled at the Laverstoke Mill Distillery in Hampshire, England and is priced between $20 and $25 per bottle.

History and Origin

Both Tanqueray and Bombay Sapphire are classic London Dry Gins that have been around for centuries.

Tanqueray was first launched in 1830 by Charles Tanqueray, while Bombay Sapphire can be traced back to Thomas Dakin’s 1761 Warrington Gin, which was later renamed and relaunched as Bombay Original in the 1950s. Thirty years later, the name was changed again to Bombay Sapphire, which has become one of the most popular premium gins in the world.

Tanqueray is produced in the same distillery as Gordon’s Gin, which is the Cameron Bridge distillery near Edinburgh. The recipe for Tanqueray includes just four botanicals, which are juniper, coriander, angelica root, and liquorice. This results in a juniper-heavy gin with a fresh nose and dry palate full of juniper and citrus.

Bombay Sapphire, on the other hand, features ten botanicals, including juniper, coriander, angelica root, liquorice, almond, lemon peel, cassia bark, orris root, cubeb berries, and grains of paradise. This gives it a more complex flavor profile that is slightly more aromatic on the nose and delivers more spiced, peppery, and earthy notes to taste.

Both Tanqueray and Bombay Sapphire have changed hands over the years. Tanqueray was acquired by Diageo in 1997, while Bombay Sapphire is now owned by Bacardi. Despite the changes in ownership, both gins have remained true to their classic London Dry roots.

Interestingly, Bombay Sapphire is not actually made in London. The gin is produced at the Laverstoke Mill distillery, which is located in Hampshire, England. The distillery is housed in a converted paper mill that has been carefully restored to preserve its heritage and character. In contrast, Tanqueray is still made in Scotland at the Cameron Bridge distillery.

Another interesting fact is that Highclere Castle, the setting for the popular television series Downton Abbey, has its own gin brand called Highclere Castle Gin. The gin is made in partnership with Bombay Sapphire and is inspired by the castle’s rich history and heritage.

Popular Cocktails and Recipes

Tanqueray and Bombay Sapphire are both versatile gins that can be used to make a variety of cocktails.

Here are some popular cocktails and recipes that can be made with either gin:

Gin and Tonic

The Gin and Tonic is a classic cocktail that is easy to make and refreshing to drink. To make a Gin and Tonic, fill a highball glass with ice, add 1-2 ounces of gin, fill the glass with tonic water, and garnish with a lime wedge.

Martini

The Martini is a classic cocktail that has been around for over a century. To make a Dry Martini, fill a shaker with ice, add 2.5 ounces of gin and 0.5 ounces of dry vermouth, and stir until chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass and garnish with either a lemon twist or an olive.

Aviation

The Aviation is a classic cocktail that was popular in the early 1900s. To make an Aviation, fill a shaker with ice, add 2 ounces of gin, 0.5 ounces of maraschino liqueur, 0.5 ounces of lemon juice, and a dash of crème de violette. Shake until chilled and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry.

Negroni

The Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail that is made with gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. To make a Negroni, fill a shaker with ice, add 1 ounce of gin, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, and 1 ounce of Campari. Stir until chilled and strain into a chilled rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange twist.

Highball

The Highball is a classic cocktail that is made with a spirit and a carbonated mixer. To make a Gin Highball, fill a highball glass with ice, add 1-2 ounces of gin, fill the glass with soda water, and garnish with a lemon wedge.

Tom Collins

The Tom Collins is a classic cocktail that is made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water. To make a Tom Collins, fill a shaker with ice, add 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of lemon juice, and 0.5 ounces of simple syrup. Shake until chilled and strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a lemon wedge and a cherry.

Comparative Analysis – Tanqueray vs Bombay Sapphire

When it comes to gin, two of the most popular brands are Bombay Sapphire and Tanqueray. Both brands are owned by liquor giants, with Bombay Sapphire being owned by Bacardi Limited and Tanqueray being owned by Diageo.

One of the key differences between the two brands is their ABV or alcohol content. Tanqueray London Dry has an ABV of 47.3%, while Bombay Sapphire has an ABV of 40%. This can affect the taste and strength of the gin, with Tanqueray being more juniper-forward and stronger in taste.

In terms of pricing, both brands fall within a similar price range of $15 to $20. However, there are differences in the flavors and botanicals used in each gin. Tanqueray London Dry, for example, has a classic juniper-forward taste, while Bombay Sapphire has a more complex flavor profile with hints of earthy spices and citrus.

For those who prefer a spiced gin, Bombay Sapphire may be the better choice, while those who prefer a more classic gin taste may recommend Tanqueray. Other popular gin brands such as Beefeater, Hendrick’s, and Sipsmith can also provide a unique taste experience.