Beefeater, A Gin Lover's Gin

Gin aficionados these days are prone to look down their juniper-loving noses at brands other than Bombay Sapphire, Plymouth, Boodles, and so on. Not me. I retain a strong preference for good, old-fashioned Beefeater. There's just something about the balance of botanicals that appeals to me. And the traditionalist in me still likes the fact Beefeater is a true London gin, manufactured in Kensington. It's also my favorite Martini gin.

I'm not the only one with a fondness for this fine, underrated gin. Famed spirits and beer guru Michael Jackson said it was his favorite for gin and tonics. Some friends of mine back when I lived in Washington, D.C. held a blind tasting party, and found that Beefeater consistently beat pricier brands such as Bombay and Tanqueray. And finally, the Beverage Testing Institute gave Beefeater a score of 93 out of 100, and had this to say:

Clear with a nickel cast. Complex, layered aromas of fresh lemon cream pie, subtle floral juniper, and honeyed herbs and spices follow super smooth and round entry leads to a fruity medium-full body with excellent depth and balance. Finishes with creamy vanilla bean, brown spice, and pink peppercorn fade. A delicious, vibrant and instantly appealing gin for all occasions.

I couldn't agree more.