I have a huge respect for the history and simplicity of Tanqueray. It's speculated it's made with as little as four botanicals and given it's straightforward taste that's easy to believe. But don't mistake straightforward for being boring--this is quite a bold spirit that asserts it's presence. At 47% ABV it packs a punch and it has juniper front and center. Newer gins will let other botanicals take the lead or lean into citrus. Tanqueray doesn't bother. It's the epitome of London Dry Gin. You wanted gin so that means juniper. Nothing more. Nothing less. Well that's not quite right. There is the smell of coriander and other spices, though they all take a backseat to the aggressive juniper smell. I've never tasted or smelled angelica root so I can't vouch for it. I personally couldn't pick up licorice on the nose. The taste is pretty much the nose. Juniper will bombard your senses with coriander making an appearance in the back. At the finish you get some citrusy pith and licorice. It stays in the mouth for quite some time and it has a very pleasant oily characteristic to it. This is very dry indeed. No citrusy sweetness to save you from the juniper! Personally I think Tanqueray defines what a gin tastes like. All other gins define themselves against it, sometimes literally! Seriously, the new wave of gins are actively trying to be the opposite of Tanqueray. But this stuff is delicious, makes some mean gin and tonics and is just an essential for any bar. An absolute delight and it's great to see a recipe with such a rich history is still being produced into the 21st century.