While the juniper, coriander, angelica and liquorice come from the same sources as those used in standard Tanqueray production, their proportions differ and many will be surprised to learn that there is a greater proportion of juniper in Tanqueray Ten than Tanqueray Special Dry.

Tiny Ten is used for the first distillation of Tanqueray No. Ten, which produces the citrus spirit known as the 'citrus heart' of No. Ten. Wheat grain neutral spirit is distilled with fresh hand chopped Florida oranges, Mexican limes and grapefruits to produce this essence. This use of fresh fruit rather than dried peels is most unusual and is thought to contribute Tanqueray No. Ten's fresh citrus led style. 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. Take your Collins to the tropics with this sunny riff. It banks on the drink’s customary call for fresh lime and soda and adds an aromatic addition of pineapple, taking the drink straight to a faraway island. If you thought only rum could offer such a vacation in a glass, think again.

Start building a set…

The second and final distillation takes place in the larger vintage 'Old Tom' No. 4 still. This is charged with the citrus heart previously distilled in Tiny Ten and wheat neutral spirit. Tanqueray's four traditional botanicals (juniper, coriander, angelica and liquorice) are added, along with camomile flowers and quartered fresh limes. The whole citrus is distilled separately from the other botanicals. The two distillates are blended, diluted and bottled. Tasting Notes A lot has been said about Tanqueray No. TEN gin since it took the drinks market by storm in 2000. Some believe it’s named after the number of botanicals in its secret recipe. Others contend that it’s an ode to the metric system, or a perfect rating (this option is persuasive). The “ten,” however, is actually owed to the mighty little piece of machinery that produced the first batch of this iconic gin.

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.

More Alternatives…

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.