Beefeater Dry Gin 750ML

Beefeater Dry Gin 750ML is a London Dry gin distilled in Kennington, London, bottled at 40% ABV in a 750ml format. Named the Best Gin at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and frequently cited as the world's most awarded gin, Beefeater has maintained its reputation as a benchmark London Dry expression since the distillery's founding in 1863.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: London, England  |  Style: London Dry Gin  |  Distillery: Beefeater (Kennington, London)

Production & Heritage

Beefeater has been distilled in London since 1863, making it one of the few major gin brands that can legitimately claim continuous London production. The recipe uses nine botanicals — juniper, angelica root, angelica seeds, coriander seeds, liquorice, almonds, orris root, Seville oranges, and lemon peel — macerated in 100% grain spirit for a full 24 hours before distillation. This extended steeping period is longer than most premium gin producers employ, allowing deeper extraction from the botanicals and contributing to the spirit's layered, full-flavored character that distinguishes it from quicker-produced competitors.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Clean and earthy at first approach, opening into bold juniper and bright citrus zest. Soft herbal undertones from the angelica and orris root emerge beneath the primary notes, lending a fragrant complexity.

Taste: The entry is smooth and well-balanced, led by assertive juniper. Mid-palate, coriander seed warmth and a squeeze of fresh lemon develop, followed by subtle hints of liquorice root and a gentle sweetness from the Seville orange peel. The overall impression is structured yet approachable.

Finish: Dry, crisp, and refreshing, with lingering citrus and a quiet spice note that keeps things interesting. The finish carries moderate length, closing cleanly without bitterness.

How to Drink Beefeater

Beefeater works well neat or over ice when you want to appreciate the full botanical spectrum, though a splash of chilled tonic is probably its most natural home. Its juniper-forward backbone and citrus brightness make it a workhorse in classic gin cocktails:

• Gin & Tonic: The bold juniper and Seville orange cut through tonic water's quinine bitterness, making this the textbook pairing.
• Martini: Beefeater's dry, clean profile holds its own against vermouth without getting lost — a reason it's long been a bartender favorite for this serve.
• Negroni: The citrus peel and spice notes stand up to Campari's intensity, creating a balanced bitter-sweet interplay.

Best For

• Stocking a home bar with a reliable, versatile London Dry gin
• Introducing someone to classic juniper-led gin styles
• Batch-making gin cocktails for a gathering without breaking the budget
• Gifting a cocktail enthusiast who values distillery heritage and proven quality

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Beefeater taste like? Beefeater delivers a juniper-forward profile supported by citrus zest, coriander spice, and subtle liquorice sweetness. The finish is dry, crisp, and refreshingly clean.

How does Beefeater compare to Tanqueray? Both are classic London Dry gins and direct competitors on back bars worldwide; Tanqueray uses four primary botanicals for a sharper, more peppery character, while Beefeater's nine-botanical recipe and 24-hour steeping process yield a broader, more citrus-forward flavor profile. Tanqueray is bottled at 47.3% ABV in most markets, giving it more heat compared to Beefeater's 40% ABV.

Is Beefeater good for cocktails? Beefeater is widely regarded as one of the best mixing gins available, prized by professional bartenders for its assertive juniper backbone and balanced citrus that shine through in Martinis, G&Ts, and stirred drinks alike.

Where is Beefeater made? Beefeater is distilled at its distillery in Kennington, London, England — a site it has occupied since 1863. It remains one of the very few globally distributed gin brands still produced within London's city limits.

What foods pair well with Beefeater? Smoked salmon or cured fish complement the citrus and juniper notes. Herb-crusted roast chicken mirrors the botanical complexity. Fresh oysters match the gin's crisp, dry finish. Light goat cheese salads echo the subtle earthiness from the angelica root. Citrus-dressed shrimp ceviche amplifies the Seville orange character.

What sizes does Beefeater come in? Beefeater Dry Gin is commonly available in 750ml, 1L, 1.75L, and 375ml formats, with the 750ml being the standard retail bottle.

Is Beefeater worth the price? Beefeater positions as an accessible, everyday London Dry gin that consistently punches above its price tier — its multiple gold medals and Beverage Testing Institute scores of 93–94 place it in the company of gins that cost significantly more.

Why Beefeater?

What separates Beefeater from the crowded London Dry field is a combination of provenance and process that few competitors can match. The 24-hour botanical steeping — longer than any other major premium gin — extracts a depth of flavor that faster maceration methods simply cannot replicate. Scores of 93 and 94 from the Beverage Testing Institute and the Best Gin title at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition confirm what bartenders have known for decades: this is a London Dry gin that delivers well beyond its weight class. For a spirit distilled continuously in London since 1863 using the same nine-botanical recipe, Beefeater remains remarkably relevant in an era flooded with new-wave gins.