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The Drinks Business wrote in February 2018 that “Beefeater Pink is targeted at ‘young millennials’,” and then adds a further quote, “I think the popularity of ‘millennial pink’ has driven the pink gin trend to an extent. It has had an influence in fashion, drinks and design. Millennials drink with their eyes.” [source]
Pandering to Millennials/Generation Z isn’t anything new. But one thing is right. Pink Gins (not the cocktails) represent nearly 40% of growth in the Spanish gin category. Other distillers like Gordon’s have already gotten into the game. It’s no surprise that Beefeater Pink would be on its way.
In short, Beefeater Pink in the United States is marketed as a “Strawberry Flavored Gin.” It is a mere 37.5% ABV and basically involves sweetening, adding strawberry flavoring and “certified color” to Beefeater Gin.
Tasting Notes
Beefeater Pink, to the nose, is strawberry hard candies, slowly dissolved into a syrupy puddle. It reminds me of the nose of COOL Gin— which although one of my favorite curiosities of the gin world, isn’t perhaps an example I would suggest other distilleries emulate.
The palate though leads with strawberry, does manage to pull through with a touch of gin on the finish. A hint of juniper mid-palate brings forth some warmth. Beefeater Pink finishes with a modicum of warm spice.
It’s certainly easy to drink.
Cocktails
I’ve mixed a couple of cocktails with Beefeater Pink. It makes a perfectly acceptable Gin and Tonic— garnish with a strawberry if you dare. It’s equally as fine in a Gin and Soda or Gin and Lemonade, It’s sweet on its own so be careful— adding sweet tonic waters or other mixers and your apt to amplify it from merely sweet to cloying.
I tried using it in some more traditional cocktails, owing to it being “nearly gin strength.” The Red and Green Sour I made was somewhat enjoyable as the heavy citrus added balance and muted its sweetness. A bartender committed to working with Beefeater Pink is going to be more able to make a gin-like cocktail than with Gordon’s Pink, for example.
As for drinking, I think its sweet enough on its own to simply work neat.
Overall, Beefeater Pink
Now that this “Pink Gin” thing is becoming a thing, rather than a one-off curiosity, I’ve revised some of my opinions on others in the category. I like the strength and gin flavor of Beefeater Pink a bit better than the 30% ABV Gordon’s Pink. It’s similar to Spanish Gins like COOL Gin, but ultimately benefits from beginning from a better base gin starting point.
But overall, there’s little I can say in a review that will probably persuade you. These pink gins are sweet and artificial. If the idea of berry in your gin sounds appealing, try a gin like Brockman’s instead. If you just want something sweet and ready-to-drink, it’s hard to recommend this above others on the market like the Seagram’s Twisted Gin series.
But amongst these on-trend strawberry pink gins. Beefeater Pink is the best— even if that’s damning faint praise.
Great for cricket World Cup watch parties!
I bought a bottle of your gin today with the set and when I took the glass out the hole glass was in two broken tried to bring it back to supervalu and they wouldn except it back very disappointed in this as I paid 27 for it
Obviously, they think you broke it. Bad customer!! You broke the glass. Get in the corner now.
Who created this? Not Beefeater, but the person, because I want to find them, strap them down, and show them a strawberry because god knows they’ve never seen one let alone tasted one! This gin is manufactured into bottles and as they rattle down the conveyor belt In the factory, I reckon a single strawberry is held near them as they pass by, and a gazillionth of the scent of a strawberry might waft in the bottles’ general direction but not in the bloody glass full I tasted! Nice colour though!
Is it really a gin? It doesnt capture my imaGINation like other gins do.
Beefeater Pink is too sweet and too one-sided (all strawberry, no juniper)
Much prefer the Gordon’s version in a G&T.
I can’t believe an old stalwart like Beefeater could sell something like this. It says on the bottle they use “natural” flavoring. But it tastes like cheap strawberry candy. One sip, and I poured the bottle down the sink.