Beefeater London Dry Gin

It's been ages since I first sampled Beefeater gin, always in a mixed drink – that's its intended purpose. This time, however, I tried it neat and chilled. Appearance: Clear liquid with moderate to thin legs in the glass. Nose: Bold and distinct juniper and citrus (lemon, orange), followed by anise and coriander, with dry spices in the background. Palate: Juniper, anise, coriander, and dry grassiness. A subtle floral sweetness surrounds a faint hint of ethanol. It feels thin and tastes watered down without a more pronounced ethanol bloom. A higher proof would enhance it, especially in cocktails. Finish: Carries the same flavors, adding a minty tingle. Very short, clean, and unremarkable. I recall consuming countless Gin and Tonics and Martinis made with Beefeater before other brands like Tanqueray emerged. I also remember some truly terrible well gins from dive bars and restaurants that made me appreciate Beefeater. Judging it fairly now, with so many quality gins available, is difficult, but at $20, it's hard to dismiss, if only for nostalgic reasons, which adds a quarter point to my rating.

It's legendary and consistent, but I remain indifferent. It's somewhat thin and doesn't stand out in cocktails as much as I'd prefer. Nonetheless, it remains a long-time favorite for many and a classic staple in the gin world. It's disappointing that they reduced the alcohol content for this market going forward. This means more water and less alcohol per bottle. One would think that after nearly 200 years in the gin-making industry, they wouldn't be so... uninspired. One would think they wouldn't be so... I don't know... stingy. If you're still cutting corners after dominating the market for over a century, you're either doing it wrong or have lost touch.

Juniper and Citrus: It strongly suggests juniper, lemon zest, and Earl Grey tea. I also detect a hint of a chemical undertone. Generally, it's a standard gin, possessing all the fundamental components but introducing a slight variation with the Earl Grey. The sole drawback is that solvent taste, which, for me, detracts from the overall experience. This gin is extremely inexpensive. Considering its price and flavor profile, it's certainly a good value for a conventional experience.

This appears to be the ultimate gin for gin enthusiasts. It delivers exactly what one would expect, yet the prominent flavors don't detract from its balance. It possesses a moderate sweetness that rounds it out, with the juniper front and center and performing admirably, supported by citrus peel, and deeper herbaceous and earthy notes. It's a classic for a reason.

A crisp, London Dry Gin from Beefeater Distillery in London, United Kingdom, made with 9 botanicals: juniper, coriander, citrus peel, etc., and bottled at 47% ABV. It offers an aromatic beginning with notes of pine, juniper, and citrus; a full character adds notes of earth, darker citrus, fresh coriander, and anise; culminating in a zesty, medium-length finish with notes of lemon rind. February 2023

Better than I had anticipated. Not quite as robust or intricate as a man of my obviously superior refined palate would desire when given my preference. Why, Father Abraham himself swore I had the most genuine palate in all the Land. Then he shattered my spirit, murdered my grandparents, and expunged my entire history. Turns out Father Abraham is a real jerk.