Beefeater London Dry Gin
Beefeater London Dry Gin is the benchmark 80-proof (40% ABV) London dry — nine botanicals steeped a full 24 hours in grain spirit, then distilled in steam-heated copper pot stills at the Kennington distillery to founder James Burrough's unchanged 1895 recipe. Named for the Yeomen Warders guarding the Tower of London and still distilled in the heart of the city, it carries big juniper, Seville orange, and lemon peel through a dry, peppery palate — the world's most awarded gin, and the definition of the style. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof) — current bottling; older US bottlings were 47%/44%
- Size: 750mL
- Style: London dry gin (classic)
- Botanicals: juniper, Seville orange peel, lemon peel, coriander seed, angelica root and seed, orris root, liquorice, almond
- Production: 24-hour botanical steep, seven-hour copper pot distillation, Kennington, London; master distiller Desmond Payne; recipe unchanged since 1895
The Gin That Defines the Style
Pharmacist James Burrough bought the Chelsea Distillery in 1863 and spent his scientific training perfecting a bold, full-flavored gin — the recipe he wrote down in 1895 is the one in the bottle today, still made in London when nearly every rival moved production out. Nine botanicals, a 24-hour steep, one slow distillation: nothing about the method is hurried, which is why the juniper lands so clean. It anchors the Beefeater range and the entire gin collection — the bottle every other London dry gets measured against.
Tasting Notes
Nose: pine-forward juniper, lemon and Seville orange zest, soft herbal lift. Palate: dry and citrusy — juniper, bright Seville orange, lemon, coriander spice, a whisper of liquorice. Finish: long, clean, peppery-orange.
How to Enjoy
The definitive G&T gin: 50mL over cubed ice with Indian tonic, lemon and orange slices. It is equally at home in a Martini, a Negroni, or a Tom Collins — the benchmark for a reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Beefeater named after?
The Yeomen Warders — the ceremonial "Beefeaters" who have guarded the Tower of London for centuries.
What is the proof of Beefeater gin?
The current bottling is 80 proof (40% ABV) worldwide; older US bottlings were higher — check the label on your bottle.
Is Beefeater still made in London?
Yes — it is the only major international gin still distilled in the heart of London, at the Kennington distillery.
The benchmark, full stop — order Beefeater London Dry Gin online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.