Flavor Profile
In the 1860’s, it is said that Charles Tanqueray, creator of Tanqueray Gin, visited Spain and was so inspired by the throngs of Seville Orange trees that he created a gin recipe. Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla is inspired by that recipe.
Orange in color, Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla’s 2018 orange flavored gin release was right on trend. Sitting next to other brightly colored, flavored gins from established brands— it wouldn’t seem out of place.
The gin itself though is conservative in its approach. It begins as Tanqueray’s London Dry Gin and its scant four botanicals, then adds bitter orange essence and other natural flavors/colors.
Tasting Notes
Color: Light tangerine in the bottle, but poured it has a transparent peach hue to it.
Aroma: Orange with facets of white grapefruit pith dominates; however, some signature Tanqueray botanicals are present beneath it. Hints of licorice, angelica and juniper.
Flavor: Moderate to full body with vibrant bitter orange peel early (think Marmalade, but a touch less sweet). Becomes more dry as it sits on palate. Pine-note juniper and earthy licorice root lend some classic gin color towards the end.
Finish: Drier than expected. A long orange note on the finish reminds me distinctly of sipping Cointreau.
Cocktails
Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla is available in some markets as a gin and tonic RTD. The gin and tonic is one of the best flavor pairings for the sweet, citrus forward gin. Mixed drinks are where this spirit works best. Gin and soda is nice because it allows the spirit’s sweetness to carry the day.
Gin and bitter lemon might be almost too sweet, and the lemon, while a nice complement, doesn’t allow the gin’s surprisingly delicate citrus flavor profile to shine.
While you could mix up a Martini or Negroni with it, I feel like it isn’t Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla’s best showing. It is a bold mixing gin that is designed to be center stage with not much fussiness to it.
Overall, Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla
Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla accomplishes exactly what it set out to do: celebrate the flavor of Seville Orange while retaining enough of the signature notes of Tanqueray London Dry Gin to be recognizable not just as a gin— but as a member of the Tanqueray family of gins.
It is a specialty gin with limited applications behind the bar; however, for those in search of a bright crowd pleading summer gin-and-tonic-mixing-gin. Or for those looking for an alternative to citrus-flavored vodka, Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla is a nice flavored gin, true to the flavor it sets out to create.
Awards
In the past two years, I’ve probably tried over 100+ Gins and found something to love/like about each and every one except….Sevilla. This is the only Gin I flat dislike. There was no cocktail, tonic, or garnish that made it drinkable. From the first sniff until I gave the bottle away, I liked nothing about it. I would describe it as cloyingly scented, and strange and unpleasant tasting.
I agree wholeheartedly with Kim Memeger’s post above. I love orange-flavored everything. i love gin. And when I saw the billboard for Tanqueray Sevilla I went to the nearest liquor store to buy it. I was immediately disappointed and I have yet to find a way to make it drinkable.
I saw a picture of this gin a year or two ago but was just able to find locally.
While this is not a traditional gin, and it might be hard to mix in coctails, for me is a very nice sipping gin, I’m just enjoying it over ice on these hot summer evenings
The Candy Bar in Detroit made a cocktail with it, Aperol, simple, cava, and a bit of club soda. Pretty sure I have all the ingredients right, but it was good enough that I bought a bottle to play around with.
I am surprised by the negativity so far. While I agree this gin is not particularly outstanding in a dry martini, it is easy and interesting to factor in to cocktails. Here’s what I do: 1/8 oz agave nectar, 1/4 oz fresh squeezed lime juice, 2 oz Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla. Shake and serve on rocks. I call it a “tanquerita”. It’s an excellent drink — try one.
To each his own. I found Tanqueray Sevilla by searching through flavor profile(s) on this site, and I love it. It’s the perfect summer G&T for me, with a lime slice and an orange slice as garnish.
Where in Halifax Nova Scotia Canada can I buy this orange flavoured gin
I LOVE it. It is not sickly sweet, contrary to other flavoured gins. It’s a great, great gin.
For health reasons I would like to know if any form of Grapefruit is involved in the ingredients please.
I love it with sweet and sour mix and lots of ice.
I usually strongly dislike flavored gins as I always find them sickly sweet but I adore this Gin. It retains all the qualities of classic Tanqueray while adding a wonderful taste of of range that is neither artificial, nor sweet -just fresh and natural. Highly recommended for a summery G&T.