First Impressions
Beefeater 24 takes its name from the 24-hour maceration time that its 12 botanicals undergo. The distinguishing additions to the classic Beefeater recipe are Japanese sencha tea and Chinese green tea, which bring a bright, vegetal, grassy character, alongside grapefruit peel for citrus freshness. At 45%, the tea character carries with authority.
Tasting
The nose is delicate pine, lavender, tea, and grapefruit zest — soft and sweet. On the palate, sweet citrus with lemon and lime moving into juniper, with grapefruit, tea, liquorice, and violet — evolving dry herbaceous character from the teas. The finish is long and dry with grassy green tea warmth and moderate astringency — tea tannins evident alongside piney juniper.
The Bottom Line
Beefeater 24 earns an 8 for successfully integrating Japanese sencha tea into a London Dry framework. The 24-hour maceration extracts maximum tea character, and the grapefruit peel adds modern brightness. At around £28, a premium Beefeater that justifies the step up. Tea and gin, beautifully married.
