Beefeaters Love Gin | The Well

Welcome to your exclusive pour from The Well—this edition dives into a spirit that’s as London as fog and bobbies on the beat: Beefeater Gin.

Beefeater’s tale begins in the misty past of 1863 when James Burrough bought the Chelsea Distillery for £400. Fast forward through decades of craft and a steadfast recipe from 1876, and you land in the present where Beefeater stands tall as a pillar of London dry gin.

What makes Beefeater stand out? It could be the dedication to tradition, using the same nine botanicals—juniper, angelica root, angelica seeds, coriander seeds, licorice, almonds, orris root, Seville oranges, and lemon peel—recipe that’s barely changed since Victoria was queen. Or perhaps it’s the innovation: think pink with their natural strawberry flavored Beefeater Pink, or go bold with the Beefeater Blood Orange.

In 2021, Beefeater took a groundbreaking step towards sustainability. They introduced a new bottle made entirely from recycled glass and swapped the plastic cap for aluminum, a nod to modern ecological standards. This initiative alone helped to save the equivalent of 17 million plastic water bottles in just a few months.

For those who cherish a tangible connection to their spirits, Beefeater’s distillery now welcomes gin enthusiasts. For £16, visitors can explore the sacred spaces where the magic happens, from the botanical room to the historic copper stills, and yes, the tour includes a complimentary G&T.

Why do top bartenders swear by Beefeater for everything from a robust Bees Knees to a delicate Martini? It’s the gin’s versatility and enduring character that makes it a go-to in bars around the world.

Dive deeper into the Beefeater experience by booking a tour, and next time you’re pondering over what gin to pour, remember—the best stories are often found in a bottle of London’s finest. Cheers to that!