Tanqueray vs Bombay Sapphire: 2 Popular Gins Go Head-to-Head & More

Tanqueray vs Bombay Sapphire

Both Tanqueray and Bombay are highly regarded gin brands, but the “better” choice depends on your personal preferences and how you plan to enjoy the gin.

Here’s a comparison to help you decide:

Tanqueray Gin:

Flavor Profile: Tanqueray is known for its classic London Dry style with a bold, juniper-forward flavor. It has a clean, crisp taste with hints of citrus and botanicals.
Versatility: It’s versatile and works well in a variety of cocktails, especially in a classic gin and tonic or a martini.
Popular Variants: Tanqueray No. Ten is a popular premium variant, known for its smoothness and added citrus notes.

Bombay Gin:

Flavor Profile: Bombay Sapphire, the most well-known variant, has a more balanced flavor with a blend of 10 botanicals, including juniper, almonds, lemon peel, and coriander. It has a lighter, more floral profile compared to Tanqueray.
Versatility: It’s also versatile but is often preferred in cocktails where a more subtle gin flavor is desired, like in a Tom Collins or a Negroni.
Popular Variants: Bombay also offers a higher-proof variant called Bombay Sapphire East, with added peppery and citrus notes.

How to Choose for You: Which Gin Is Better Tanqueray or Bombay?

Choose Tanqueray if you prefer a more traditional, juniper-heavy gin and enjoy strong, bold flavors in your cocktails.
Choose Bombay Sapphire if you prefer a lighter, more floral gin with a balanced mix of botanicals.

Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both and see which one suits your taste!

Is Tanqueray 10 Better Than Tanqueray? What Is the Difference Between Tanqueray and Tanqueray 10?

Tanqueray No. Ten and the classic Tanqueray London Dry Gin serve different purposes and appeal to different preferences:

Tanqueray London Dry Gin

Flavor Profile: Juniper-forward with notes of coriander, angelica root, and licorice.
Best For: Classic gin cocktails like gin and tonics or martinis.
Alcohol Content: 47.3% ABV.
Taste: Bold, crisp, and traditional.

Tanqueray No. Ten

Flavor Profile: Citrus-forward with fresh botanicals like whole limes, oranges, and pink grapefruit, along with chamomile flowers.
Best For: More delicate cocktails like martinis or citrus-based drinks.
Alcohol Content: 47.3% ABV.
Taste: Smoother, more refined, with a fresh citrus finish.

Which Is Better?

For Classic Gin Lovers: Tanqueray London Dry is better for those who prefer bold, juniper-driven flavors.
For Citrus and Smoothness: Tanqueray No. Ten is better for those who enjoy smoother, more citrusy gins.

It depends on your taste and how you like your cocktails!

Beefeater vs Tanqueray vs Bombay Sapphire

When it comes to gin, Beefeater, Tanqueray, and Bombay Sapphire are three of the most well-known and respected brands globally. While they all belong to the London Dry gin category, they each have unique flavor profiles and characteristics that set them apart. Here’s a comparison to help you understand their differences:

Beefeater

Origin: London, England
ABV (Alcohol by Volume): Typically 40-47%, depending on the market
Flavor Profile: Beefeater is known for its traditional juniper-forward flavor, balanced with bright citrus notes from Seville oranges and lemon peel. It also incorporates subtle herbal and earthy undertones from botanicals like angelica root and licorice.
Best For: Classic gin cocktails like the Gin and Tonic or a Martini. Its robust flavor holds up well in mixed drinks without being overpowering.
Unique Features: Beefeater sticks closely to its roots as a traditional London Dry gin. Its recipe has remained largely unchanged since the 19th century.

Bombay Sapphire and Tanqueray have already been discussed above at length. So…to compare these three in a table:

Comparison at a Glance

Attribute	Beefeater	Tanqueray	Bombay Sapphire
Style	Classic & robust	Bold & crisp	Light & modern
Juniper Intensity	High	High	Moderate
Citrus Notes	Bright, with orange and lemon	Clean, subtle	Balanced, with lemon peel
Botanicals	9 (traditional)	4 (focused)	10 (complex)
Best For	Classic cocktails	Simple, bold cocktails	Subtle, creative cocktails

Which One Should You Choose?

If you love classic, juniper-forward gins, go for Beefeater. It’s an affordable option for traditional cocktails.
If you prefer a bold, clean flavor, Tanqueray is a fantastic all-around choice, especially for stronger drinks like a Martini or Negroni.
If you’re into lighter, smoother gins with complex botanicals, Bombay Sapphire offers a modern twist that’s excellent for cocktails where subtlety matters.

Ultimately, your choice depends on personal preference and how you plan to enjoy your gin!

Bombay Sapphire vs Tanqueray 10/Tanqueray 10 vs Bombay Sapphire/Tanqueray No 10 vs Bombay Sapphire

If you would like to know how Bombay Sapphire compares to Tanqueray 10, click here.

Plymouth Gin vs Bombay Sapphire

Plymouth Gin and Bombay Sapphire are both premium gins but differ in flavor, production, and versatility.

Plymouth Gin

Origin: Plymouth, England (Protected Geographical Indication)
Flavor Profile: Earthy, smooth, and slightly sweeter than London Dry gin. Less juniper-forward, with softer citrus and herbal notes.
Botanicals: Juniper, coriander, orange peel, lemon peel, angelica root, green cardamom, and orris root.
Best For: Martinis, Negronis, and sipping neat due to its smoothness.
Alcohol Content: 41.2% ABV (U.S.), 40% ABV (U.K.)

Bombay Sapphire

Origin: Laverstoke Mill, England
Flavor Profile: Light, crisp, and aromatic with bright citrus and floral notes. Balanced but more juniper-forward than Plymouth.
Botanicals: Ten botanicals, including juniper, lemon peel, coriander, angelica root, orris root, almonds, cassia bark, cubeb berries, grains of paradise, and licorice.
Best For: Gin and tonics, Tom Collins, and citrus-based cocktails.
Alcohol Content: 47% ABV (U.S.), 40% ABV (U.K.)

Key Differences

Flavor: Plymouth is earthier and smoother, while Bombay Sapphire is brighter and more aromatic.
Versatility: Plymouth works well in spirit-forward cocktails, while Bombay Sapphire shines in lighter, refreshing drinks.
Production: Bombay Sapphire uses vapor infusion, giving it a lighter taste. Plymouth uses traditional distillation for a fuller body.

Which Is Better?

For Smooth, Balanced Cocktails: Plymouth Gin.
For Refreshing, Citrus-Driven Drinks: Bombay Sapphire.

Choosing between them depends on your flavor preference and cocktail style!

What Gin Is Similar to Bombay Sapphire?

If you’re looking for a gin similar to Bombay Sapphire, you likely enjoy its light, aromatic, and floral profile with hints of citrus and spice. Here are some alternatives that share similar characteristics:

1. Tanqueray No. Ten

Known for its citrus-forward profile, this gin uses fresh grapefruit, orange, and lime in its distillation, offering a crisp and refreshing taste.

2. Hendrick’s Gin

Although slightly more floral due to its infusion of rose and cucumber, Hendrick’s also has a smooth, balanced profile that complements Bombay Sapphire’s style.

3. The Botanist

This Islay gin boasts 22 foraged botanicals, including citrus and floral notes, making it a complex yet smooth choice similar to Bombay Sapphire.

4. Beefeater 24

With its blend of 12 botanicals, including Seville orange peel, grapefruit peel, and Japanese sencha tea, it offers a slightly more robust citrus and herbal profile.

5. Plymouth Gin

Known for being slightly sweeter and smoother, Plymouth Gin has a less juniper-forward profile with a subtle earthiness that complements Bombay Sapphire’s delicate flavor.

6. Martin Miller’s Gin

This gin blends botanicals from England with Icelandic spring water, offering a clean, citrusy profile with floral undertones.

7. Sipsmith London Dry Gin

While more traditional in its juniper-forward approach, Sipsmith balances this with citrus and spice, appealing to those who enjoy Bombay Sapphire’s lighter side.

Key Notes:

When choosing a substitute, consider the type of cocktails you’re planning to make. Bombay Sapphire’s versatility works well in martinis, gin and tonics, or classic cocktails like a Tom Collins.

Many of these alternatives can be used interchangeably in similar recipes.

Photo Credits: Pick n Pay, Mansionz, Thrillist