Tanqueray Rangpur Gin

I am mostly a bourbon guy but enjoy a gin and tonic in the summer on the patio before dinner, especially with family and frienda. The first time I tried this was on a trip to London, several years ago. Across the street from where we stayed was a bar "The Oliver Conquest". Cozy little place that specialized in gin. Over 300 labels. I was overwhelmed! Struck up a conversation with the barkeep and learned how little I knew about gin. He asked my likes and dislikes and he suggested a g&t with a label unavailable in the states. From his perspective, garnish is very important and this one was garnished with crushed juniper berries and served in a red wine glass. For my second, he said I should try Tanqueray Rangpur garnished with the tradional lime wedge. The name Rangpur comes from the rangpur limes in the botanical list. It seems that tonic water makes a big difference and introduced me to FeverTree Elderflower tonic. OMG what a drink. There's a lot going on with the lime at the forefront but the traditional juniper is there and now elderflower. I'm sold. Had another that evening and been back to try a couple more. We refer to the place as gin school. We surely got schooled and to this day I think of OC when I have a gin and tonic. And, oh yeah Tanqueray Rangpur is my preferred version.

Gin tasting notes are useless unless you know the tasting preferences of the reviewer, so here's my personal CliffNotes: I dislike juniper. Not an intense, all-abiding dislike, but it's just not a flavour I seek out. I find Beefeater unpleasant. So I'm generally into the new breed of gins, and this is a good one. There's juniper here, certainly, but it plays its role nicely, complemented by a nice, rich, three-dimensional citrusy, spicy kick. The base spirit is clean, the overall experience is fresh and pleasant. I'm a fan. I do not think this would work particularly well in a martini (maybe if you're going the lemon-twist route, rather than the olive route?), but I'm not a martini guy; my gin vice is gin on the rocks with a twist of lime--and in that context, I find this juice pretty likeable, particularly for the (very reasonable) price.

For those who just can't get enough citrus in their gin, there's Rangpur. Unlike its sibling spirit Tanqueray No. 10, the citrus in Rangpur is not subtle. However, if it's citrus you like, this is not a bad thing. I actually like this in a dirty martini. The sweetness of the Vermouth marries nicely with the citrus, and the saltiness of the olive brine provides balance. My wife, who does not like gin and prefers vodka martinis, actually now likes to throw just a splash of Rangpur in her vodka martini to give it a little kick of citrus. While I still prefer other gins, including previously mentioned No. 10, Rangpur certainly has a place. Besides, variety is the spice of life.

When you buy this gin you expect a solid lime influence, and this delivers. It’s light, clean and refreshing with the zesty scent and taste of fresh squeezed lime juice and the gentle dryness of lime rind/pith. Soft juniper/botanical spice rounds it out. I can see how the mix of juniper and lime pith can come across chemical to some but to me they’re distinct enough to play back and forth with each other rather than mix and become muddled. A welcome change from your standard gin. Perfectly good on it’s own (practically it’s own cocktail) but also good for citrusy cocktails. $30 in Ontario.

Rangpur is interesting gin. For some sweetish gin it's great for G&T, resulting mild taste and citrusy freshness. As neat, there is very mild burn, and that classic herbal and juniper tartness almost gone. There is very light lime acid-bitter taste on the end. Bottom line: nice gin, I'm happy to had it but next time I would stick with classic (or completely different one). It's just bit bland, no wow or comforting effect in its taste.

Neat the initial impression is very anise-forward like ouzo, then it settles for a character most closely resembling a slightly spicy lime with a pronounced bittersweet presence. With tonic everything becomes a little more subdued but not significantly different besides the anise kick almost disappearing. If you're into lime in gins this might be one for you, but it's not a personal favorite of mine.