Beefeater Gin
While most gin brands today are distilled in industrial parks far from any city centre, Beefeater still sits right in the middle of London - the last of its kind. It's a gin that quite literally tastes of the capital it's named after. |
About Beefeater Gin
Beefeater is one of the world's most recognised London Dry Gin brands, and part of the reason is its unbroken connection to the city. Where many competitors have relocated due to lack of space or cost, Beefeater has held onto its address in Kennington, south of the Thames, and that historical continuity is as much a part of the story as the flavour itself. For beginners, Beefeater is a classic, well-balanced way into the world of gin and tonic, while more dedicated gin enthusiasts appreciate the spirit's clean, juniper-forward character that never tries to drown tradition in experimental botanicals.
History & Background
Beefeater was founded in 1863 by James Burrough, a pharmacist with a passion for experimenting with botanical extracts. He developed his own London Dry Gin recipe and established the distillery in central London, where it has remained ever since. The name Beefeater refers to the Yeomen Warders of the Tower of London, known by the same nickname, chosen as a piece of living English identity in bottle form. The distillery is now part of the Pernod Ricard group through Chivas Brothers, but production still takes place at the same site in Kennington.
Production & Style
Beefeater's signature is a blend of nine botanicals, with juniper and coriander seed taking the lead role alongside sweet liquorice root, which gives the gin its characteristically round body. The botanicals are macerated in neutral grain spirit for 24 hours before distillation takes place in traditional pot stills - a method that sets Beefeater apart from many newer brands, which instead vapour-infuse their botanicals. The water used to adjust strength is drawn from the distillery's own sources, ensuring consistent quality batch after batch.
Signature Style
Juniper-forward, Citrus, Spiced
Classic juniper meets fresh citrus and a touch of sweet liquorice - a dry, well-balanced profile built to shine in a simple gin and tonic.
Facts
| Distillery | Beefeater Distillery |
| Founded | 1863 |
| Pronounced | BEEF-ee-tuh |
| Region | London |
| Country | England |
| Owner | Pernod Ricard (Chivas Brothers) |
| Botanicals | Juniper, coriander seed, liquorice root and more (9 in total) |
| Official website | beefeatergin.com |
Did You Know?
Did you know Beefeater is the last gin distillery still producing its gin within London's administrative boundaries? Every other major gin brand has moved production outside the city.