Tanqueray London Dry Gin

About Tanqueray

Said to be Frank Sinatra’s favorite gin, the story of the legendary Tanqueray begins with Charles Tanqueray, who founded his distillery on the well-known Vine Street in Bloomsbury, near Picadilly Circus. The origins of the recipe for the legendary London Dry Gin are not well documented, though the general consensus is that the recipe predates 1838.

The brand’s uncharted success is very impressive considering the recipe for the gin has remained largely unchanged. Its transcendental popularity is due to Charles Tanqueray and his pioneering spirit. Founding Tanqueray in his early 20s, Charles was barely a novice when it came to distilling, but he brought his brand to great success. When he died in 1868, his son inherited the distillery, continuing his success.

After merging with Gordons & Company in 1898, Tanqueray had successfully established itself as a formidable force in the spirits industry. The Tanqueray facility was nearly destroyed in 1941, during the great air raid of 1941. Only one of the stills survived, the still known as “Old Tom”, which still resides at Tanqueray’s permanent home in Cameron Bridge, Scotland. The brand is now owned by industry giant Diageo.