James Burrough Ltd (Pernod-Ricard Group), Montford Place Distillery, Kennington, London, England, UK.

Beefeater Gin and Pernod Ricard.

First produced at the Chelsea Distillery (established 1820) in the late 1870’s by pharmacist and tea merchant James Burrough, Beefeaters was originally known as Burrough’s Gin. The Burrough’s family sold the company to Whitbread in 1987; Whitbread sold the Beefeater brand to Allied Domeqq in 1991; and Allied Domeqq were purchased by Pernod Ricard in 2005.

Allied Domeqq launched this brand in 1993. It was repackaged in the deep purple bottle in 2003, with a Raven icon also added (Ravens are part of the Tower of London attraction – their wings are kept clipped so they cannot fly away for, as legend has it, if less than six remain the Tower & the Monarchy will fall). We believe Crown Jewel was discontinued around 2008 – 2009, with the introduction of Beefeater 24.

We suspect the same production techniques were used as Beefeater Gin - steeping the botanicals in a triple distilled base spirit of maize and barley grain for 24 hours, before slowly redistilling inefficiently in copper pot stills.

We are informed the Beefeater distillery is due to open its doors in 2013, with a visitor’s center for the general public.

London Dry Gin.

50% (100 Proof).

$$$$ - $$$$$ (if you can find a bottle today expect to pay $150+).

Crown Jewel used the classic 9 Beefeater Botanicals: angelica roots and seeds, coriander seeds, juniper berries, liquorice, orris root, Seville orange peel, Spanish almonds and Spanish lemon peel; plus an additional one – grapefruit.

Please note: despite the name there are no animal based products in this; or used in the production there of; it is completely vegetarian and vegan friendly (as confirmed by Beefeater Gin themselves)!

The name Beefeater was used to associate itself with the Yeomanry Guard and Warders of the Tower of London, and thus emphasize its London roots. The yeomanry were created in 1485 from experienced military personnel, to guard prisoners and the crown jewels held in the tower. No one is sure where the nickname originated but one belief is they were permitted to eat the King’s beef (possibly as part payment for their services).

The “Crown Jewel” name comes from this dual role performed by the “Beefeaters”. The Gin was aimed at the “duty free” market (without tax or excise) for people traveling between countries. It had clear tourist connections – the Queen’s coronation crown, part of the crown jewels, held in the Tower of London has a deep purple velvet internal hood - the same color as the bottle.

On the nose is citrus and juniper with faint floral notes. On the palate are pine, juniper and lots of citrus - more so than the standard Beefeater Gin. This gives way to light floral, herbal and spice notes, with some sweetness, citrus and juniper, culminating in a classic peppery finish.

84 Points, Beverage Testing Institute.

Silver Medal, International Wine and Spirit Competition, 2008.

Gold Medal, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2005.

Gold Medal, International Wine and Spirit Competition, 2003.

Gold Medal, International Spirits Challenge, 2003.

Gold Medal, International Wine and Spirit Competition, 2002.

Gold Medal, International Wine and Spirit Competition, 2001.

Gold Medal, International Spirits Challenge, 1999.

Gold Medal, International Spirits Challenge, 1998.