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

Tanqueray vs Bombay Sapphire/Bombay Sapphire Gin vs Tanqueray/Bombay Sapphire vs Tanqueray

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!

What Gin Is Similar to Bombay Sapphire?

If you’re looking for a gin similar to Bombay Sapphire, consider these options, which share its bright, citrus-forward and aromatic botanical profile:

Tanqueray No. Ten – A premium gin with a strong citrus presence, thanks to fresh lime, orange, and grapefruit botanicals, along with chamomile and juniper.
Plymouth Gin – Slightly softer and earthier than Bombay Sapphire but still features a balanced mix of botanicals with a touch of citrus.
Broker’s Gin – A classic London Dry gin with a crisp juniper backbone and bright citrus notes, making it a solid alternative.
Beefeater 24 – A refined take on traditional Beefeater, featuring botanicals like grapefruit peel and green tea, adding complexity similar to Bombay Sapphire.
Hendrick’s Orbium – While Hendrick’s original is more floral and cucumber-forward, Orbium adds quinine and wormwood for a more herbal yet balanced experience.
The Botanist – A Scottish gin with a complex botanical mix, offering bright citrus and floral elements akin to Bombay Sapphire but with a softer, more herbal finish.

Beefeater Gin vs Bombay Sapphire

If you want to know how Beefeater Gin compares to Bombay Sapphire, click here.

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 19^th century.

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.

Photo Credits: Pick n Pay, Mansionz, Thrillist