The booze-proof, for starters. Regular Tanqueray is 47.3% ABV. No. Ten is also 47.3% ABV. So they’re equally strong. But the flavor profile is night and day. Regular Tanqueray hits you like a sledgehammer of juniper. No. Ten teases you with a soft, floral kiss of citrus. It’s like comparing a sturdy leather boot to a silk slipper. Both great. Just different jobs.
Here’s a quirky fact: The recipe for No. Ten is a well-kept secret. Only a handful of people know it. The distillers call it the “holy grail” of gin. Meanwhile, the original recipe has been around since 1830. It survived Prohibition in the US. It’s a survivor. No. Ten was born in 2000. It’s a Millennial gin, basically. One is a time traveler. The other is a modern artist.
Here’s another funny detail: The label. Look closely at the original Tanqueray. See the red seal? That’s the signature of Charles Tanqueray, who founded the brand. No. Ten’s label has a tiny “10” in a circle. It’s understated, like it doesn’t want to brag. But it totally does. It screams, “I’m fancy, drink me in a martini.” And the original scoffs, “Put me in a G&T with a lime wedge, you snob.”
Tanqueray vs Tanqueray No. Ten Gin Review // Gin Taste Test - YouTube
Which One Should You Choose?
It depends on your mood. Are you making a classic Gin and Tonic? Go with the original. It holds its own against tonic. It’s a fighter. Pair it with a spicy tonic and a slice of pink grapefruit. Boom. Instant summer. No. Ten? Use it for a martini. Shake it with ice, a whisper of dry vermouth, and a lemon twist. You’ll taste the citrus notes clear as a bell. It’s a sophisticated sip.
Budget is also a factor. The original is cheaper. You can pick up a bottle for about $22. No. Ten? Expect to pay $10–$15 more. You’re paying for those fresh fruits and the tiny copper still. Is it worth it? Absolutely, for a special occasion. But for a Tuesday night? Save the cash. Get the original.
Here’s a pro tip: Try them side-by-side in a blind taste test. It’s a hysterical party trick. Your friends will squint their eyes and say, “This one tastes… greener?” You’ll laugh. You’ll argue. You’ll drink more. It’s fun. And you’ll realize both gins are excellent—just different tools for the boozy toolbox.
The Difference Between Tanqueray Gin and Tanqueray 10 Gin | Drink Spirits
