Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale Gin

Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale Gin was launched in 2021 as part of Tanqueray's range of fruit led distilled gins, taking inspiration from French liqueurs made with blackcurrants and from the historic links between the brand and France. Produced in Scotland at 41.3% ABV, it is built on the classic Tanqueray London Dry Gin profile and then complemented with French blackcurrants, vanilla and a black orchid inspired flavour, which together push the style toward a darker, berry driven expression while keeping a clear gin backbone.

The recipe starts from the four London Dry botanicals associated with Tanqueray: juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root and liquorice root. To this base are added natural flavours of French blackcurrants and vanilla plus the black orchid note, which introduce deep berry fruit, gentle sweetness and a floral dimension. The spirit is distilled to the same dry standard as the original, so the added flavours sit on top of a neutral grain base and do not turn it into a liqueur.

On the nose, Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale shows intense aromas of ripe blackcurrant, hints of other dark berries and a touch of cassis, supported by juniper and coriander. Vanilla brings a soft creamy impression, and the black orchid element appears as a floral accent that lifts the fruit rather than overpowering it.

On the palate the gin is smooth and rounded, with blackcurrant at the front, balanced by the dryness of juniper and angelica root. Layers of dark berry, a light herbal note and a measured sweetness from vanilla and liquorice root create a medium to full body without becoming heavy. The structure remains recognisably that of a London Dry gin, with the fruit woven through rather than masking the botanicals.

The finish is medium to long, with lingering cassis, soft vanilla and a gentle floral echo, followed by a clean juniper and citrus like freshness. In service, Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale works particularly well in a gin and tonic with plenty of ice, a wedge of lemon and a handful of dark berries, and it also suits long drinks with lemonade or twists on classics such as the Kir Royale or Bramble where its blackcurrant character can replace creme de cassis.