Bombay Sapphire Gin Review: Discovering the Blue Jewel

Among premium gins, few are as iconic and renowned as Bombay Sapphire. First launched in 1987, Bombay Sapphire is a London dry-style gin owned by Bacardi. The "Bombay" in the name refers to the Indian city, while "Sapphire" nods to the prized sapphires of Sri Lanka.

Bombay Sapphire's iconic cobalt blue bottle, featuring an image of Queen Victoria, remains unchanged to this day, making it easily recognizable on any bar shelf.

Let's learn more about the history, production, and taste of this special spirit in our Bombay Sapphire Gin review.

Bombay Sapphire 1L

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Key Features

• Classification

  London dry-style gin

• Location

  Laverstoke, UK

• Made From

  10 botanicals, along with classic gin ingredients

• Price

  $79.95 - $90

• ABV

  47%

Bombay Sapphire Gin 1L

Bombay Sapphire 1L

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The Process of Creation

Bombay Sapphire's unique flavour comes from ten carefully selected ingredients sourced from exotic locations worldwide, including almond, lemon peel, and juniper berries. Alessandro Garneri, the Master of Botanicals, ensures that each ingredient is of the highest quality, sourced with a keen eye for sustainability and community welfare.

Bombay Sapphire Gin ingredients:

• Almond

• Lemon peel

• Liquorice

• Juniper berries

• Orris root

• Angelica

• Coriander

• Cassia

• Cubeb

• Grains of paradise

Bombay Sapphire uses a unique distillation method that is different from most gins. Instead of boiling their botanicals directly in the spirit to achieve their flavour, they gently vapour infuse them to capture their bright, vibrant flavours.

They use copper stills that have perforated baskets above them where they place their botanicals. As the heated spirit vapours rise, they pass through these baskets and are infused with all the rich aromatic flavours that the botanicals release. This process gives Bombay Sapphire a lighter, more floral taste compared to gins created using a copper pot still.

Distilled using 100% barley, this method enhances the aromatic presence of its components, classifying it as an "ultra-premium" Scottish Gin. The water used to bring down the strength of Bombay Sapphire is sourced from Lake Vyrnwy, which is known for its purity and natural mineral content.

The Eye, Nose, and Palate

Dive into a sensory exploration as we delve into the visual allure, aromatic nuances, and intricate flavours of Bombay Sapphire: the eye, nose, and palate.

• The Appearance

  The gin's clear hue reflects its purity and quality, but its standout feature is the iconic flat-sided, sapphire-coloured bottle adorned with a label bearing Queen Victoria's image.

• The Smell

  On the nose, Bombay Sapphire offers a fresh and complex aroma. You may detect notes of juniper, citrus, spice, and floral elements that harmoniously blend together, inviting and stimulating without being overpowering.

• The Taste

  Bombay Sapphire delivers a smooth and balanced taste. After the initial juniper note, its diverse botanicals come to the forefront, offering a crisp and clean taste without being overly dry or bitter. The finish is long and smooth.

• The Pricing

  The standard price for Bombay Sapphire Gin 1L stands out at around $82.95. Paneco Members enjoy a special discounted rate for Bombay Sapphire Gin 1L at just $79.95, down from the standard price of $82.95. Additionally, if you're considering buying in bulk, the case discount drops the price even further to $76.95 per bottle when purchasing two.

Final Verdict: Is Bombay Sapphire Gin Worth the Money?

Bombay Sapphire Gin is undoubtedly a worthy investment. This exceptional gin boasts a unique and refined flavour, catering to both seasoned gin enthusiasts and those new to the spirit. Its versatility shines, whether enjoyed on the rocks, neat, with tonic, or in cocktails.

The gin's rich history and distinct identity distinguish it from other brands. Produced with a keen focus on environmental sustainability and respect for the communities involved in its creation, it stands as one of the most sustainable gins worldwide. It's a top recommendation for anyone looking to savour or discover the world of gin.

Bombay Sapphire 1L

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FAQ

• What Mixes Well with Bombay Sapphire Gin?

  Bombay Sapphire gin mixes well with many ingredients and can be used to create delicious and creative cocktails. Some of the most popular mixers are tonic water, lemonade, soda water, ginger ale, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, cucumber, mint, basil, and many more.

• What is the Alcohol Content of Bombay Sapphire Gin?

  The alcohol content of Bombay Sapphire gin varies depending on the market. In most markets (UK, The Nordics, Cont. Europe, Canada, Australia), it has an ABV of 40%. In others (US and export/duty-free), it has an ABV of 47%.

• How Long Can Bombay Sapphire Gin Be Kept?

  Bombay Sapphire gin can be kept for a long time without losing its quality or flavour. As long as it is stored in a cool and dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources, it can last for years without spoiling. However, once opened, it is advisable to consume it within six months to enjoy its optimal freshness and taste.