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When James Borrough purchased a small distiller in Chelsea in 1863 little did he expect that the product he created would become a major spirits brand, Beefeater, even less would he have expected that his legacy would spread to over 100 countries worldwide.
The distillery had been founded in 1822 by John Taylor, and the distillery established itself as producing a high quality product. Borrough had become fascinated by the distillation process while training as a pharmacist in the United States. When he returned to the United Kingdom he purchased the distillery with the goal of producing the finest gin possible.
The gin he created utilized nine botanicals, the precise combination becoming a close guarded trade secret (of which only 6 people know the complete recipe), though citrus peel, juniper berries, angelica, corriander seed and almonds are known to be part of the recipe.
Unlike any gin of the time all the components of the gun are allowed to steep together for 24hrs prior to distillation to maximize and balance the flavours in the gin, a process that continues to this day, and remains unique.
To emphasize the London background of his gin, Borrough was motivated to use an image of a Yeoman Warders on his product, and name it after their unofficial name - Beefeater. To this day, the Yeoman Warder image is present on the bottle, and has become an icon of the global spirits industry.
The product's success was rapid and by 1900 distribution of the gin had already reached Canada. To cope with ever increasing demand the distillery was moved and expanded to a new site in Lambeth, London in 1908. With this new production capability, distribution continued to grow with the product being sold in over half a dozen countries around the globe.
With further demands being placed on the distillery, operations where once again moved in 1958, this time to Kennington, London - and production continues there to this day. In 1963 Beefeater became the largest export brand in the British Isles, and achieved 2nd place in US market share.
It was not until 1987 that the company left Borrough's family control with the purchase of the brand by Whitbread. However this ownership situation would not last and the brand was purchased in 1991 by Allied Domecq as an effort to expand their spirits portfolio. The acquisition also gave the brand access to greater distribution channels, accelerating its expansion worldwide. Due to the acquisition of Allied Domecq by a rival firm, Beefeater became property of Pernod Ricard in 2005.
Since its introduction Beefeater Gin has become one of the most awarded spirit brands. Recently, the brand was awarded the Greenall's Trophy for Gin at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in 2002, 2003, 2004 - twice for Beefeater Gin and once for its duty free exclusive Crown Jewel.
Beefeater Crown Jewel
Legend has it that six ravens must remain within the Tower of London lest it and the Monarchy will fall. For Centuries these majestic, winged guardians have stood alongside the Yeoman Warders watching over the Crown Jewels and the Tower.
They guard their thoughtfully as we at Beefeater guard the recipe that is Crown Jewel, to divulgate is secrets would be tantamount to treason. Its hand chosen botanicals are steeped in pure grain spirit for a day and a night before distillation even commences. This extravagant, yet gentle courting of the flavours and triple distillation bestows on Crown Jewel a delicate citrus aroma and complex flavour with an exceptionally dry, clean finish befitting a premium gin that is peerless.
Size: 1 Litre
70 CL proportion: €29.36EUR
Alcohol: 50%Vol.
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