History of Tanqueray Gin

Travel Distilled brings you a brief history of Tanqueray Gin, from its founding in London in the 19th century by Charles Tanqueray to Tanqueray today.

Tanqueray Gin has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The brand’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of quality, which has made it one of the most popular gin brands in the world.

The Beginnings of Tanqueray Gin

The story of Tanqueray Gin began in 1830 when Charles Tanqueray, a young man from Bedfordshire, England, decided to break away from the family’s tradition of pursuing a career in the clergy. Instead, he chose to follow his passion for distilling and set up a distillery in the Bloomsbury district of London.

Charles was a perfectionist and spent many years experimenting with high-quality ingredients and different distillation methods to create a gin that was superior in quality and taste.

In 1838, Charles Tanqueray finally perfected his recipe, creating a gin that was smooth, yet bold with a perfect balance of botanicals. This gin was named Tanqueray London Dry Gin, and it quickly gained popularity, not just in England, but also in the British colonies and the United States. The gin was distinctive for its unique flavor profile, which included juniper, coriander, angelica root, and liquorice.

Move to Scotland

The Tanqueray distillery in Bloomsbury was severely damaged during World War II during the London Blitz. However, the one still that survived, known as “Old Tom,” was moved to a new distillery in Cameron Bridge, Scotland. This still is used to this day to produce Tanqueray Gin, ensuring the continuity of the unique flavor profile that Charles Tanqueray first created.

Tanqueray No. Ten

In the 1950s, Tanqueray introduced a new product, Tanqueray No. Ten, named after the “Tiny Ten” still in which it is distilled. This gin is crafted with fresh citrus fruits and botanicals, which gives it a smooth, clean, and refreshing taste. Tanqueray No. Ten quickly became a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts and bartenders around the world.

Tonight we Tanqueray

In the 1980s, Tanqueray became the best-selling imported gin in the United States, a position it still holds today. The brand’s popularity was boosted by a successful advertising campaign featuring the tagline “Tonight we Tanqueray,” which helped to position Tanqueray as a sophisticated and aspirational choice.

Over the years, Tanqueray has continued to innovate, introducing new products such as Tanqueray Rangpur, which is infused with Rangpur limes, and Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla, which is made with Seville oranges. These new offerings have helped to keep the brand relevant and exciting for a new generation of gin drinkers.

Tanqueray Today

Today, Tanqueray is owned by Diageo, the multinational alcoholic beverages company. Despite the changes in ownership and location, the brand has remained true to Charles Tanqueray’s original vision of creating a gin of exceptional quality. The recipe for Tanqueray London Dry Gin remains a closely guarded secret, known only to a handful of people around the world.

In conclusion, the history of Tanqueray Gin is a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality, innovation, and tradition. From its humble beginnings in Bloomsbury to its current status as one of the world’s leading gin brands, Tanqueray has consistently delivered a product that is enjoyed by gin lovers everywhere. As the brand looks to the future, it is certain that it will continue to uphold the high standards set by its founder, Charles Tanqueray.