Flavor Profile
Tanqueray No. 10 Gin launched in 2000. At the time, it was a bold departure from the Tanqueray Gin standard. At the time, Tanqueray Ten might have been considered contemporary in style.
Twenty years later, it endures as a staple behind the bar for its versatility in cocktails and it’s balanced, relatively classic juniper-led palate.
It was named “Ten” because it was developed on the experimental still named “Tiny Ten.” Tanqueray No. 10 gin features only eight botanicals (not ten!). It adds four new ones to the Tanqueray formula. Juniper, coriander, licorice and angelica root remain.. It adds chamomile flowers and three kinds of fresh, whole citrus.
This gin may not have been possible in 1830 when Charles Tanqueray first developed the recipe for his gin. Fresh citrus, especially in the reliable quantities to make a gin like this would have either been quite expensive or just simply not available in 19th century London on a predictable basis.
The whole citrus is distilled separately from the other botanicals. The two distillates are blended, diluted and bottled.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Tanqueray No. 10 Gin is juniper led. It has bright lime zest with hints red grapefruit, just above a clean licorice and angelica note.
Flavor: Soft mouthfeel with juniper, bitter orange and lemon early. Mid-palate angelica and pink grapefruit shine through. The back of the palate has creamy licorice root, white grapefruit, piney juniper and hints of peppercorns.
The gin has a long finish with moderate warmth. Juniper fades leaving hints of citrus zest with earthy undertones.
Cocktails
Tanqueray No. Ten was designed specifically for the Martini segment. Pick your garnish— any garnish!
It makes a good Dirty Martini. Great Dry with a Twist. It works well in a Gibson. It’s even a great choice in Martini riffs like the Alaska Cocktail. The lack of strong herbal notes leaves an opening that is nicely complemented by a good Vermouth.
It’s easy to see why Tanqueray Ten has become a staple behind the bar. Further, it works well in mixed drinks like the Gin and Tonic or Gin and Lemonade. It brings a delightful citrus and juniper accord to every cocktail. I’d recommend the Tom Collins or Corpse Reviver #2 (as a starting point).
Tanqueray No. 10 has rightfully earned its space behind the bar as a versatile, premium cocktail gin.
Overall, Tanqueray Ten
Expertly made, Tanqueray’s top shelf gin reads as slightly more classic twenty years later than when it launched. Classic gin fans will love the way the juniper is elevated by citrus. Contemporary gin fans will appreciate the way citrus stars without be coming one note.
Overall, Tanqueray Ten endures not because of the reputation, of the brand that preceded it. It endures because it’s a nearly perfectly made gin.
Highly Recommended.
Awards
Tanqueray 10 is amazing !!
Definitely a Go-to Gin and most spectacular in a martini.
Definitely a good gin. I have more positive feelings about it. The citrus gets me. I like that smooth round citrus finish you describe…it hits my tastebud buttons nicely.
I also have more positive feelings about this gin. After originally feeling as you do, I have come to appreciate this in martinis and have added it to my top ten list.
My favorite gin is Monkey 47, but it’s $80 for 750 ml. When I go cheaper Tang. 10 is acceptable.
I’ve tried them all in my search to find the perfect tasting Dry Martini. From Monkey 47 buzz to several creative botanicals chemistry. Tasted more than 20 gin options and in the end Tanqueray n°10 is my holy grail choice. If you want THE dry martini, it scores 10.
I especially like Tanq 10 in a Last Word. It makes a very clean and smooth tasting cocktail.
This gin is the best bang for your buck. It tastes like a more expensive gin than it is. Over the past 5 months, I’ve researched, experimented with, and taste-tested dozens of gins. This one is truly a fantastic, classic gin. Very smooth, with just the barest suggestion of “something extra”…of subtle “oomph” and charm…
Fantastic gin. So glad I discovered this site, and hence discovered this gin. Still not as great as Martin Miller’s gin, but very, very good all the same.
If I had to pick only one gin, this would be the one.
The only cocktail that my wife will drink is a single Aviation made with Tanqueray 10 at the Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, annually for her birthday. She’s tried it other ways and only Tanqueray 10 will satisfy her.
Tang Ten remains one of my staple martini gins. It’s juniper forward without being overly hot on the tongue. Far preferable to Sapphire.
Perfect on the rocks
A stunning bouquet. I always sniff a new gin before drinking, and I use Tanqueray 10 as my benchmark. So smooth as it is touches the palette.
Make a G & T with no other than Tanq 10, and you satisfy 100% of the people 100% of the time.
Wow. Phenomenal. Definitely the best gin I have ever tasted. Beautiful balance of juniper and citrus, and amazingly smooth.
Really have come around to this gin, ultimately deciding it makes the absolute best Last Word; works superbly when paired with either Luxardo or Maraska maraschino (for funky or bright notes, respectively). the extra ABV really helps it hold its own against the Chartreuse, which is no small feat. Overall just a superb gin.
I like my gin neat, or occasionally in a classic unadulterated G+T.
Tanqueray 10 does both exceptionally well. Probably my favourite neat gin.
I waited a long time to try this gin since i do not like the original Tanqueray which has been in production nearly 200 years.
No 10 is now one of my two favorite gins with Citadelle Jardin dete’ just edging it out as the best (tried so far) for my taste buds.
I love it this way: 2 1/2 oz. Tanqueray 10, 1 oz. lime juice, 3/4oz. simple syrup