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Of all the major types of spirits, Gin may be the most mysterious. The mystery lies in the botanical flavors.
Most of the other major liquors are made from grains or fruit, but Gin is different. Trees, flowers, and spices are all elements that can be found in Gin.
There’s nothing worse than shelling out good money for a bottle of liquor for it to be a letdown especially when you’re talking about something as polarizing as botanical flavors.
This article will examine two of the finest Gin brands, Hendricks vs Tanqueray, so you can decide which is right for you.
Hendrick’s or Tanqueray
The two Gin brands we’re going to examine are Hendrick’s and Tanqueray. The battle of Hendrick’s vs Tanqueray is a battle of new versus old. Tanqueray vs Hendrick’s is also a matchup of styles.
Even though they are both botanical Gins one is a more traditional London Dry and the other is Gin with some unique additions. The good news is that they are both excellent and it will come down to personal preferences.
Hendrick’s Gin is the new kid on the block. At 23 years old, if Hendrick’s Gin was a person it would only be of drinking age for the last couple of years. Don’t misinterpret the age as amateurism.
In a few short years, Hendrick’s has gone all the way from an unknown to one of the most popular and unique Gin brands around. Hendrick’s had its start in 1999 in Scotland.
The goal was to produce a new super-premium Gin that made people take notice. Hendrick’s Gin got the notice they desired thanks to a unique blend of botanicals that includes Cucumber and Rose.
They also utilize a unique apothecary style bottle that attracts the eye among a sea of similar-looking bottles.
Tanqueray Gin, on the other hand, has been around since 1830 in London, England. Tanqueray Gin is a London Dry Gin.
This designation does not necessarily foretell what the Gin will taste like but in the case of Tanqueray, it gives you what you’d expect out of a top-notch London Dry Gin.
London Dry speaks to the production and location of said production. Tanqueray Gin is clean, versatile, and juniper forward – while still properly incorporating other exciting botanicals.
Tanqueray is now under the umbrella of the large beverage company Diageo plc.
Hendricks Vs Tanqueray – How Are They Made?
As mentioned, Tanqueray Gin is a London Dry Gin. This means the Gin is made in London, England and it is made by distilling its grains twice.
Before distillation, the grains are combined with water and heated to start fermentation. Once fermented and strained, the first distillation happens to purify and concentrate the alcohol.
For the second distillation, the botanicals are added to the mix. From there Tanqueray is bottled and sent out for consumption.
The steps before distillation for Hendrick’s Gin are virtually the same as the process for Tanqueray. Hendrick’s has a unique take on distillation. Hendrick’s Gin is distilled using two completely different types of stills called the Bennett still and the Carter-Head still.
The Bennett still is an older copper still that has the botanicals steep in the alcohol before distillation. The result is a rich and potent Gin.
The Carter-Head uses steam as part of its distillation process to create a lighter subtle Gin. These two are mixed together to create a wonderfully smooth and balanced bottle of Hendrick’s Gin.
Hendricks Vs Tanqueray – What Are They Made Of?
Hendrick’s Gin is proud to display its blend of botanicals at any chance they get. That’s because it’s such a distinctive Gin.
Hendrick’s Gin uses more traditional botanicals like angelica root, orange peel, caraway seeds, elderflower, yarrow, orris root, chamomile, lemon peel, cubeb berries, coriander seeds, and juniper.
Hendrick’s also uses cucumber and Bulgarian rose to put it over the top flavour-wise.
Tanqueray Gin is very secretive with its recipe but there are four ingredients that the drinking world accepts as the Tanqueray botanical lineup. Those four ingredients are juniper, angelica root, coriander, and licorice.
How Are They Similar?
Though no one can argue that Tanqueray and Hendrick’s are each special in their own way, they still share many similarities.
They are both top-shelf Gins with smooth juniper-forward flavors. The distillation methods are different but both are clear, distilled, and high-proof spirits. Hendrick’s and Tanqueray are also adaptable in their uses.
Both excel when imbibed either chilled on their own or as the base of a refreshing cocktail.
Price, Size, Color, Alcohol Percentage Comparison
For a long while, Hendrick’s Gin had a very limited portfolio that consisted of just the original Hendrick’s Gin. Hendrick’s started adding some additional varieties in 2017 and has continued to add to the collection.
Hendrick’s Gin sticks to 750 ml and 1.75 L bottles for the most part. Bottles of Hendrick’s range from $38.99 to $43.99 for a 750 ml bottle. The different varieties are all clear in color, have slightly different botanical ingredients, and are slightly more expensive. The Original Hendrick’s Gin is 88 Proof (44% alcohol by volume) and the other varieties are 86.8 Proof (43.4% alcohol by volume).
- The Original Hendrick’s Gin
- 750 ml, From $38.99
- Hendrick’s Neptunia Gin
- 750 ml, From $42.99
- Hendrick’s Lunar Gin
- 750 ml, From $42.99
- Midsummer Solstice
- 750 ml, From $40.99
- Hendrick’s Orbium Gin
- 750 ml, From $43.99
The Tanqueray Gin collection contains four main types of Gin. The other varieties differ from the original by switching up the fruit and citrus profile and/or using a different still.
Tanqueray Gin is clear with the exception of the orange variety. Similar to Hendrick’s and other liquor brands the standard-sized bottles are 375 ml, 750 ml, and 1.75 L.
Tanqueray is marginally less expensive than Hendrick’s Gin as it ranges from $27.99 to $36.99 for a 750 ml bottle.
Tanqueray London Dry Gin and No. 10 Gin are quite potent at 94.6 Proof (47.3% alcohol by volume) and the other variants weigh in at 82.6 Proof (41.3% alcohol by volume).
- Tanqueray London Dry Gin
- 750 ml, From $27.99
- Tanqueray No 10 Gin
- 750 ml, From $36.99
- Tanqueray Rangpur
- 750 ml, From $27.99
- Tanqueray Sevilla Orange
- 750 ml, From $28.99
Hendricks Vs Tanqueray – How to Drink?
Hendrick’s Gin and Tanqueray Gin are both outstanding chilled and neat. They also make amazing Gin and Tonics and killer cocktails. Here are some cocktails that will make you wish you had one of these Gins in your glass at all times.
Tanqueray Negroni
- 35 ml Tanqueray London Dry Gin
- 25 ml Italian Aperitif Bitters
- 25 ml Sweet Vermouth
- Orange Twist (for Garnish)
Combine liquid ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail glass. Stir, garnish with an orange twist, serve, and enjoy
Hendrick’s Cucumber Lemonade
- 1 Part Hendrick’s Gin
- ½ Part Lemon Juice
- ½ Part Simple Syrup
- Soda Water
- Cucumber (for Garnish)
- Lemon (for Garnish)
Assemble all liquid ingredients in a highball glass filled with ice. Lightly stir, garnish with 3 thin rounds of cucumber and 1 lemon wheel before serving.
Alternatives
Hendrick’s Gin is a unique spirit and part of a new wave of interesting beverages. It has the juniper flavor you’d expect but with the cucumber and rose added.
Some other options if Hendrick’s isn’t available are Silent Pool Gin and Martin Miller’s London Dry Gin. Martin Miller is also made with two separate distillations.
Tanqueray Gin is a fine London Dry Gin and lucky for you there are some other excellent London Dry Gins to choose from. Beefeater Gin, Bombay Sapphire Gin, and Ford’s London Dry Gin.
FAQs
Which came first?
This one isn’t even close. Tanqueray has been around since 1830 and Hendrick’s Gin was introduced in 1999. For those non-mathematicians out there, that’s a 169-year head start!
Which is more popular?
This contest is a toss-up. On one hand, Tanqueray Gin has been around forever and is known to just about all drinkers in the world. Hendrick’s Gin is very new but has rocketed to near the top in a short time.
Which is stronger?
Hendrick’s Gin and Tanqueray Gin are both very strong spirits. Tanqueray takes the crown as the stronger Gin. The Original Hendrick’s Gin is 88 Proof (44% alcohol by volume) and Tanqueray London Dry Gin is 94.6 Proof (47.3% alcohol by volume).
Which is good served neat?
Both Tanqueray and Hendrick’s taste great when served neat. They are not the most expensive spirits out there but they are still very smooth and tasty on their own (try them chilled for best results).