What is the ABV of Beefeater Gin?
Our classic Beefeater London Dry Gin is 40% ABV in most countries. For each Beefeater Gin product’s ABV and nutritional information, select the product you’re interested in here.
Who owns Beefeater Gin?
Beefeater Gin has always been made in the heart of London. We’re distilled at our home in Kennington, Vauxhall. Pop round for a gin and tonic!
We’re distributed worldwide by Pernod Ricard, one of the world’s largest spirits experts.
What is Beefeater Gin made from?
Gin is predominantly made from juniper berries, a neutral-grain spirit, and water. Other botanicals can also be added to enhance flavour and provide a full flavour profile. Here at Beefeater, The World’s Most Awarded Gin, we use 9 primary botanicals (juniper berries, orange peel, lemon peel, coriander seed, angelica root, angelica seed, almond, liquorice root & orris root), with some of our products containing additional botanicals and flavourings.
Read all about our ingredients and origins, and find out more about the botanicals in gin.
Where are the origins of the Beefeater Gin name?
Our brand name, Beefeater, refers to the royal guards at the Tower of London, who are officially known as Yeoman Warders. Since 1509, when they were under the rule of Henry VIII, they have looked after prisoners and guarded the crown jewels from any potential thieves. Nowadays, their role is mainly ceremonial, and they provide guided tours around the Tower. It is thought that the nickname derived from the 17th century, as they were witnessed eating beef at the King’s table, which was an expensive meat at that time.
When our founder, James Burroughs, was naming the brand, he wanted to choose something that would forever indicate our connection to our hometown.
How do you pronounce Beefeater Gin?
bee·fee·tuh jin
Is Beefeater Gin made with juniper berries?
Yes. Juniper is a core ingredient in any gin – if it’s not got juniper, it’s not gin! Juniper is what gives our signature London Dry Gin a bold, crisp flavour. The berries are steeped with citrus peel and other botanicals for 24 hours prior to distillation to achieve a perfectly balanced, complex spirit. Read more about our botanicals.
How do you use a Beefeater Gin bottle?
First and foremost, you can drink the gin inside of course.
Our bottles are made from recycled glass, and once you’re finished with it we encourage you to continue that sustainable practice and recycle it.
If you’d prefer to keep hold of your bottle, it can be reused in a number of ways: we’re seen bottles upcycled to vases, water jugs, and even lamps.
What’s the best garnish for Beefeater Gin?
With our iconic London Dry Gin, we recommend a lemon and orange wheel to reflect the botanicals inside.
If you fancy getting creative, check out our guide to gin garnishes for some inspiration! We are The World’s Most Awarded Gin, so we kinda know what we are talking about.
Is Beefeater Gin a premium gin?
Yes, Beefeater is a premium gin. We use a traditional process, botanicals of the highest quality and years of craftsmanship to ensure every bottle meets our high standard. Perhaps that’s why we’re The World’s Most Awarded Gin.
Can you drink Beefeater Gin straight?
As long as you’re enjoying Beefeater Gin responsibly, you can drink it however you like! Check out our guide to drinking gin neat..
Does gin need to be aged like whisky?
Where whisky gets its flavours from being aged in barrels, gin gets its flavours from the steeping & distillation process (Beefeater allows for a 24-hour steeping process so as much flavour as possible is extracted from the natural botanicals). However, although some brands decide to age their gin like whisky, it is not necessary. If you are looking for an aged gin, why not try our very own limited edition Burrough’s Reserve? This is one of our premium gins, and is aged for 3 weeks in red & white Bordeaux casks that previously contained Lillet.
What is the difference between a London Dry Gin and a distilled gin?
A London Dry Gin refers to the process in how the gin is made. In this process, a selection of natural botanicals will be added to a neutral-grain spirit with at least 96% ABV and water, and then distilled. No other flavours are allowed to be added after distillation, with the exception of water. It is juniper-forward, and can be made anywhere in the world. With distilled gins, flavours, sugar and colours can be added post-distillation. Find out more about the different types of gin.
Why does Beefeater call itself ‘the Spirit of London’?
Since its conception, Beefeater has been distilled in the urban heart of London, with our roots dating back to 1820, when foundations were first laid at The Chelsea Distillery, Beefeater Gin’s first home. In 1863, Beefeater started to be produced there, and ever since then, we have remained in London. Currently, our distillery is situated in Kennington where we’ve stayed since 1953. As well as a Beefeater being an iconic symbol of London, we believe our gin represents London perfectly, and it is now the only London Dry Gin to still be made in in the city!
How can Beefeater best be enjoyed?
With tonic, of course! We like to use a 1:3 ratio – so that’s 50ml of gin with 150ml of tonic. Make sure you use lots of ice, and garnish with a lemon & orange slice, to bring out the natural citrus flavours in the gin. If using one of our flavoured gins, try to enhance the already existing flavours, e.g. by adding fresh strawberries to a Beefeater Pink & Tonic. Make sure to check out our collection gin cocktail recipes..
Where is Beefeater best stored?
Beefeater is best served chilled, with ice & tonic, so we recommend storing your Beefeater in the fridge, or even freezer (as all of our products contain at least 37.5% ABV, they won’t freeze)! If you are unable to do this, you can also chill your glass before serving. Find out more in our guide to storing gin.
Why is gin served with tonic?
The classic G&T cocktail we know and love today has origins that date back to the mid 19th century, India. During this time more Brits found themselves much warmer climates than they were used to in the UK. With this change of temperature, there was an increase of cases of malaria for which tonic water was used to treat due to the quinine that was infused. As such, the tonic water was very bitter and so Brits added their beloved gin, as well as ice, sugar and citrus. And so came about the Gin and Tonic.
I don’t like tonic! What else can I mix gin with?
*Gasps*
Only joking!
If you don’t like the usual Indian tonic water, there are loads of different flavours of tonic water. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ones to find your perfect G&T combination.
You can mix gin with many different soft drinks, for example lemonade or ginger ale. See here for a guide to the best gin mixers that aren’t tonic!
Beefeater Distillery queries
How do I book a distillery tour?
You can book a distillery tour here. We have a selection of different tours available, come by and see us!
You can also pop buy without booking to enjoy a cocktail but for a tour we do advise booking in advance!
How long is a tour?
Depending on which tour you choose, tours vary from 1.5 hours to 3 hours! Find more details on our tours here.
Can I buy a gift certificate for the distillery?
Of course! A Beefeater tour is the perfect gift for any occasion – you can buy gift certificate here!
Are there only tours at the distillery?
We are fully equipped to host corporate events and are available for private hire.
Alternatively, you can pop buy any time for a cocktail or to visit our shop.
ALL GIN COCKTAILS
