Tanqueray No. Ten Gin has been honored as the Beverage Testing Institute’s Gin of the Year for 2024, a recognition that underscores its exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and commitments.
For nearly two centuries, Tanqueray has been synonymous with classic sophistication and unparalleled quality in the world of spirits. Now, the brand’s legacy has taken on an additional dimension, marrying tradition with innovation and sustainability. This year, Tanqueray No. Ten Gin was named Gin of the Year by the Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest), a testament to its craftsmanship, versatility, and refined flavor profile. The accolade is no small feat, given the intense competition in the global gin market, which continues to flourish with creativity and diversity.
“Craft gin has gone global,” Jerald O’Kennard, President of BevTest, told Forbes. “On a recent trip to Ireland, I was amazed that almost every small town we visited had at least one gin distillery. These distillers aren’t interested in making gin like the big brands; they want to put their local stamp on their gins with local ingredients and unique approaches.” Yet even in this bustling landscape of boutique producers and innovative recipes, Tanqueray No. Ten stands out for both its exceptional flavor and its commitment to sustainability.
The recognition comes at a time when environmental consciousness is reshaping consumer preferences and industry standards across the spirits sector. For Tanqueray and its parent company Diageo, being a global leader is no longer just about producing award-winning spirits; it’s about ensuring that every step of the production process aligns with principles of sustainability and responsibility. From energy-efficient distillation practices to sustainable sourcing of botanicals, Tanqueray is setting a new benchmark for what it means to be a leader in the spirits industry.
For Tanqueray, this is a journey of flavor, innovation, and environmental stewardship, proving that a great gin can also be a responsible one. It’s part of Diageo’s ambitious sustainability action plan known as “Society 2030: Spirit of Progress.” This comprehensive strategy focuses on three core areas: promoting positive drinking, championing inclusion and diversity, and pioneering grain-to-glass sustainability. A key component of this plan is the commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across direct operations by 2030. Additionally, Diageo aims to use 30 percent less water in every drink it makes, reflecting a strong emphasis on water conservation. It’s also working toward a more ambitious goal of a 40 percent reduction in water-stressed areas. This initiative is crucial, considering that water security poses a significant climate change-related risk for the maker of Tanqueray gin.
Michael Alexander, Diageo’s global head of water, environment, and agriculture sustainability, emphasizes the importance of water conservation in ensuring the company’s resilience against climate challenges. “You could be with the most efficient brewery or distillery in the world,” Alexander said in a recent interview. “But it’s still not going to mitigate your risk if there’s a drought.”
According to Alexander, water availability and quality are one of the most significant risks Tanqueray faces. “We operate in highly water-stressed areas such as Kenya, India and Mexico to produce our local products,” he said, noting the label has “a strong track record” as progressive water stewards and managing its impact on water. “Part of my role is ensuring we continue to drive progress, particularly across collective action and water replenishment in water-stressed basins.”
Tanqueray has actively engaged in initiatives that promote sustainability within the culinary and beverage sectors. For instance, the brand collaborated with The Adventure Farm, an establishment dedicated to immersive culinary experiences and environmental sustainability. This partnership involved events that highlighted farm-to-fork and seed-to-sip practices, emphasizing the importance of local sourcing and regenerative agriculture. Such collaborations not only showcase Tanqueray’s commitment to sustainability but also inspire similar practices within the industry.
Diageo is also focusing on sustainable packaging solutions to minimize environmental impact. The company has committed to ensuring that all its packaging will be widely recyclable, made from recycled material, with 60 percent derived from recycled content by 2030. This initiative includes exploring innovative packaging types, such as paper bottles, to reduce reliance on traditional glass and plastic materials.
In its pursuit of a low-carbon future, Diageo has made significant investments in renewable energy. The company has established North America’s first carbon-neutral distillery in Kentucky, utilizing renewable electricity and implementing energy-efficient technologies. This facility serves as a model for future operations, demonstrating the feasibility of large-scale sustainable production in the spirits industry.
Tanqueray’s commitment to sustainability extends to its supply chain, particularly in sourcing botanical ingredients. The brand emphasizes direct relationships with farmers and supports regenerative agricultural initiatives. This approach ensures the integrity of its ingredients while contributing to the preservation of natural ecosystems and biodiversity. By fostering sustainable farming practices, Tanqueray not only enhances the quality of its gin but also promotes environmental stewardship within its supply chain. “Our action will hopefully help ensure our sites, supply chains and communities build resilience in a fast-changing and unpredictable climate,” Alexander said.
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