The Tanqueray No.10 Martini
Much has been discussed about Tanqueray No.10 gin since it made a significant impact on the drinks market in 2000. There are theories suggesting that its name corresponds to the count of botanicals in its confidential recipe, while others propose it as a nod to the metric system or an indication of a flawless rating.
Twenty-two years ago, in the midst of the Y2K frenzy and the early stages of the contemporary cocktail renaissance, Tanqueray No.10 made its debut. It represented a unique type of gin—a vibrant gin with a pulsating citrus core, meticulously formulated with a new assortment of fruits in its botanical blend, and a distillation cut that retains only the finest and most luminous liquid in the process.
The Gibson is akin to the Martini but takes a savoury twist by substituting the traditional olive with a pickled onion, imparting an umami undertone to the timeless concoction. It also uses an unabashed amount of the Tanqueray No.10 gin as its primary ingredient. Playing a prominent role in the award-winning 2021 Golden Globe series, The Queen's Gambit, the formidable Gibson was on everyone’s lips (pun intended). As Beth, the central character in the series, and her on-screen adopted mother sipped glasses of the Gibson, the cocktail promptly waltzed up the popularity charts.
Gin has been a longstanding favourite in classic mixology, documented in numerous volumes. However, the emergence of a new flavour profile, characterised by a lighter, fruitier feel and a smooth texture, was on the horizon with the Tanqueray No.10. The “nouveau” gin stepped into this realm, contributing to the resurgence of the spirit in a newly reformed version.
As anticipated, a superb gin Martini places significant emphasis on the quality of the gin. This rendition stands out as a gem in the realm of cocktails, revitalised by the distinctive lively character of Tanqueray No.10.
The story of Talisker unfolds as a narrative of determination, ingenuity, and an unwavering dedication to excellence. In 1825, brothers Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill, residents of the smaller Scottish island of Eigg, set foot on the Isle of Skye. Fueled by ambition and a vision for a prosperous future, the brothers secured the lease for Talisker House and its grounds with a clear objective: to establish a distillery renowned for producing unparalleled whisky.
By 1830, their vision became a reality as the Talisker Distillery emerged in Carbost, situated on the shores of Loch Harport. In 1898, Talisker rose to prominence as a top-selling single malt in Britain. Renowned for its distinctive salty-pepper flavour, it gained widespread favour among whisky enthusiasts and aficionados.
A fire in 1960 devastated the Talisker distillery, destroying the stillhouse. Despite the setback, the resilient spirit of Talisker prevailed, leading to the reconstruction of the distillery with exact replicas of the original five copper pot stills. This commitment ensured the ongoing consistency and quality of the whisky.
Ingredients
Method
Stir the Tanqueray No. 10 and dry vermouth with lots of ice together in a mixing glass.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Serve with an olive on a cocktail stick or a twist of lemon peel.
