Gordon's Gin vs Tanqueray: 2 Popular Gins Compared & More • Chick About Town

Gordon’s Gin vs Tanqueray

Gordon’s and Tanqueray are both produced by the same company, Diageo.

These gins are also both London Dry Gins.

Unlike Gordon’s, the recipe for Tanqueray includes only 4 botanicals, delivering a gin that is juniper-heavy, fresh on the nose, and dry on the palate with juniper and citrus.

The highest alcohol by volume option among the gins mentioned in this post, Tanqueray makes an excellent gin and tonic.

What are your thoughts on Gordon’s vs Tanqueray?

Here’s a detailed comparison of Gordon’s Gin vs Tanqueray Gin, covering their histories, flavour profiles, production and best ways to enjoy them.

Tanqueray vs Gordon’s Gin: Origins & Brand History

Gordon’s

Gordon’s was created in 1769 by Alexander Gordon in London.

It claims to be the world’s best-selling London Dry Gin.
The brand later merged (in 1898) with the distillery of Tanqueray to form Tanqueray Gordon & Co.

The current owner is Diageo.
The standard UK version is 37.5% ABV (though other markets have 40% or more) and the recipe has been very stable.

Tanqueray

Tanqueray was founded by Charles Tanqueray in the 1830s in London.
It is also part of Diageo’s portfolio and is one of their “strategic brands”.

Tanqueray is made in the London Dry style, with a distillation process that emphasises its botanical character.

Key takeaway: Both brands have deep British gin heritage, share a parent company, but have distinct positioning and flavour profiles.

Gordons or Tanqueray: Flavour & Botanical Profile

Gordon’s

The flavour notes are described as: juniper front and centre, with citrus (lemon/orange peel) and a clean dryness.

According to Wikipedia, the botanicals include juniper berries, coriander seed, angelica root, licorice, orris root, orange peel and lemon peel (though exact recipe is secret).
One reviewer noted that it is dry, fresh, with a core taste of juniper and citrus, “not straying too far in any direction of flavour”.

Tanqueray

Tanqueray is known for a more defined and forceful juniper character, and for being dry and crisp. For example, the botanical list is known to include four key ones: juniper, coriander, angelica root, and licorice.

The distillation is highlighted: “a four-step distillation process” for Tanqueray London Dry.
In a comparison article, Gordon’s is said to be “typically sweeter and less bitter” than Tanqueray, meaning Tanqueray tends to lean a bit more bite/bitterness.

Flavour comparison summary:

Gordon’s tends to be softer, smoother, with citrus and juniper but fewer aggressive botanical punch notes.

Tanqueray tends to be sharper, more juniper-forward, more classic London Dry in aggressiveness and dryness.

Production & Technical Details

Gordon’s: The UK version has 37.5% ABV; export versions may be higher (e.g., 40% in US) depending on market.
Tanqueray: The ABV can vary (some market versions 43.1% or higher) and the distillation four-step process is emphasized.

Botanical counts: Tanqueray is noted in one source to use 4 botanicals (juniper, coriander, angelica root, liquorice) for its standard London Dry.
Distillation: Tanqueray’s “four step” process is marketed. Gordon’s is described as triple-distilled in some sources.

Usage: Cocktails & Pairing

Given their differences, each gin has its strong suits:

Gordon’s is often recommended when you want something reliable and smooth for mixed drinks (gin & tonic, gin with citrus mixers) where a subtle gin backbone is fine.

Gordon’s Gin Pick n Pay

You can buy a 750 ml bottle of Gordon’s Gin at Pick n Pay for R189.99.

Bombay Sapphire Gin vs Tanqueray

If you would like to know how Bombay Sapphire compares to Tanqueray, you can read all about that here.

Gordon’s Gin vs Tanqueray: 2 Popular Gins Compared & More

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