Famous for its Sapphire Blue bottle and easy drinking taste. This is our review of Bombay Sapphire Gin.
ABV : 40% (47% in the US and in most duty-free)
Origin : Europe , United Kingdom
Well it was inevitable that we would end up reviewing this specific brand of Gin as it is a staple at most bars and pubs and a favourite for many casual Gin drinkers. As well as this Bombay Sapphire boast being the second most widely drank Gin in the world today. First launched in 1986 by English wine merchant IDV, its name comes from the popularity of Gin in India during the British Raj and the “Sapphire” in the name refers to the violet blue star of Bombay which was mined from Sri Lanka and is now on display in the Smithsonian Institution. Its blue bottle design and label which bears a picture of Queen Victoria is one factor that has made this Gin so widely used and recognised by bars all over the world. There are other varieties of Bombay Sapphire such as “Star of Bombay” which is 47.5% ABV and includes bergamot and ambrette seeds in harmony with Bombay's signature botanicals.
What is in it ?
It is very easy to see what the main ingredients and features of Bombay Sapphire are as the Botanicals are clearly labelled on the side of the bottle . Its featured ingredients are Juniper, Lemon, Coriander, Angelica, Orris Root, Grains of Paradise, Cubeb Berries, Cassia, Almonds and Liquorice. Some of these are fairly commonplace in some Gins but aspects such as the Liquorice and Coriander make for a slightly unique taste and as you will discover when you try it a good bit of spice. As mentioned above other varieties of Bombay Sapphire make use of other ingredients and Botanicals such as Bombay Sapphire East which adds lemongrass and black peppercorns to its original ten botanicals.
What does it taste like ?
One things that jumps out at me from Bombay Sapphire is its strong alcohol notes. You will feel that warm sensation in your chest you typically get from a good strong white spirit but with all the flavour that comes from those Botanicals mentioned. Other notable tones and notes include a clear citrus and acidic lemon flavour, a bold floral almost fruity tone, and the usual Juniper flavour that you will find with most Gins. Bombay Sapphire would be considered a Classic and Contemporary Gin as it is Juniper forward, but the Juniper is not its man feature or dominating flavour. When you first sip it the flavour starts off very mild with little standing out, but then once its fully covered your mouth the lemon citrus flavours , spicy heat and the slight floral tones are unleashed and you get a full sense of what this Gin is about.
What is it like in a drink?
I tend to switch between Gins when making cocktails just to get a good idea of how different brands stand apart from each other. However, one drink featured on our website the Sapphire Alpine Martini is made specifically with Bombay Sapphire Gin. The drink itself is very pleasant and if you are into easy to sip Gin cocktails, I suggest you check it out. But in terms of what Bombay Sapphire does for the cocktail it is masked well by the other sweeter ingredient in it but you still get a hint of the floral citrus notes it carries along with its alcohol strength mentioned above. I have also used this Gin in a traditional Gin and Tonic which I found it worked very well in. The citrusy notes work in accordance well with a good quality flavoured tonic and the Gin itself helps bring out the best in the Tonics flavours as well. As well with Tonic the Juniper is less prominent from the Bombay Sapphire which is probably a factor in why it is so popular, as it offers something different with that counter balance and the flavour becomes less predictable than a Gin and Tonic made with another classical Gin.
Is it worth my money ?
In terms of cost Bombay Sapphire is not too far apart from other common place Gins such as Gordons or Tanqueray. Most stores in my area will sell 70Cl bottles for anywhere from £17 - £20 and some places will sell larger 1 Litre bottles for £22 - £27 depending on the store and if there is an offer on. It is defiantly an option I would choose over a Gordons is I was looking for something more adventurous that will not cost me extra, but there are other Gins out there that would give you a bit extra if you are willing to pay a bit more. In short Bombay Sapphire is a great Gin to buy if you are not that use to Gins yet but want to start exploring them more without breaking your bank. I have also found that Bombay Sapphire tends to be one of the Gins that is on sale most at local supermarkets along with Gordons so there is always that to look out for as well.
Final Thoughts
You can certainly see why Bombay Sapphire would be a favourite for people who love to drink Gin but are by no means “Gin Connoisseurs” . It is very easy going but not bland by any means and its Botanical and featured ingredients do help its appeal and ability to stand apart from other Classic Gins. The way I feel is I would have a bottle of this handy for casual drinks making and the odd Gin and Tonic, but if I wanted to really impress somebody with a Martini drink or trying to get them to start trying Gin I would give them something with a bit more character and maybe lighter on the alcohol side as this can put some new drinkers off. No doubt the price is good/average and like I said for an everyday Gin it is perfectly acceptable. However, I probably would also make sure I had something a bit more flavourful and lighter for special occasions. The best way I could describe Bombay Sapphire is it is a top-quality gateway Gin, for a lot of people that is all they are looking for.
Rating 7/10
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