The History
’’A very large ration of beef is given to them daily at court...that they might be called Beef-eaters.’’--Grand Duke of Tuscany, 1669.
James Burrough was a young pharmacist with a fondness for gin. He wanted to create a distinctively bold and aromatic gin, so he opened a small distillery on the banks of the River Thames in Chelsea, then searched for a name that would compliment his spirit. He recalled the humorous quote by the Grand Duke of Tuscany in 1669 regarding the hefty size of the Yeoman Warders who guarded William the Conqueror in the 11th Century, and opted to name his gin Beefeater, a historical link with the powerful symbol of London’s greatness.
My History with Beefeaters
Gin is my favorite spirit, Beefeater is my favorite gin. I have tried Bombay Sapphire and Tanqueray’s and found them both lacking when they came up against Beefeater. On ice, this gin has a pleasant flavour and aroma. It is not to strong and does not burn when going down your throat. When mixed, it does not overpower the tastebuds and compliments whichever other fluid you add to it.
Mixed Thoughts
I don’t usually drink my gin straight (on the rocks), unless I intend of purposely giving myself a hangover for the next morning. So I mix it into several different drinks, with different tastes for each one.
Gin and Tonic
Gin and Orange Juice
Gin and 7-Up
Gin and Raspberry Punch
Gin and Grapefruit Juice
I actually like to taste my gin, so I mix one part gin to one part mix. Others who can’t take their spirits might want to try one part gin to two parts mix.
Beefeater, Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire?
What is the difference between these brands of dry gin? Besides the fact that Bombay Sapphire is blue and the others are clear, I would have to say taste and price. In the store I go to, Tanqueray is the most expensive of gins ($30.00) between the three. It also has a pleasant taste, but I am loyal to my Beefeater. Bombay Sapphire is the cheapest, selling for $12.00 a bottle. As for my personal experience drinking these gins, Bombay Sapphire made me sick after 5 mixed drinks, and Tanqueray gave me a really good (bad!!!) hangover the next day.
When to Drink it?
Anytime is a good time for Beefeater Dry Gin. Not to say that you should drink it all time, and do not get the idea that I do. This particular gin is handy to have upon having guests over, having dinner parties (for the martinis), and to have as an after work/dinner relaxation drink. My father enjoys his brandy, I enjoy my gin. It’s a good bonding drink. If you go to a club or a bar, always try to have one or two gin mixed drinks, such as martinis or gin and tonics. They are great drinks to sip slowly so you can enjoy yourself without being a lush.