Unlike other gins, Bombay Sapphire Gin uses a special technique called vapor infusion to create a unique taste many gin drinkers have come to adore. During this vapor infusion process, the spirit is distilled separately from the botanicals. This allows the spirit to absorb the aromas of the botanicals while in a vapor form, resulting in a complex, subtle taste.
I liken Bombay Sapphire Gin to Brad Pitt. Just as Brad Pitt is often desired by the female masses, Bombay Sapphire Gin is coveted by many a gin drinker. However, much like making out with Brad Pitt couldn’t possibly live up to the hype, sipping Bombay Sapphire Gin just doesn’t quite please me the way I want. Though this gin is rather smooth going down, the flavor comes off a little bland. The infused flavors are so subtle, that you would really need to have a developed palate to name a handful of the many botanicals used. Bombay Sapphire Gin doesn’t make you feel like you just snuck behind the bleachers with a pine tree, but the infused flavors do blend to leave a slightly piney and somewhat earthy taste in your mouth.
When mixed with tonic water, Bombay Sapphire Gin provides a very light and smooth taste for a gin and tonic. If you aren’t really much of a gin drinker, you might find the drink very pleasing and easy to consume, but I honestly felt the subtleties in the flavor produced a dull taste. I’m a grown man; I should be able to suck on pine needles if I so choose! Although this gin is very easy to drink and not at all harsh, I ultimately feel that there should be a little more to it for a top shelf selection.
What Bombay Sapphire may lack in flavor, it makes up for in other areas. Just as Brad Pitt shocks us all in his bare-knuckle boxing prowess in Snatch, Bombay Sapphire is very surprising in the punch it packs. I certainly felt a little punch-drunk after consuming several of these gin drinks. I was taken back by the buzz Bombay Sapphire gave me; gin is usually a drink I use when it’s time to slow down at the bar.
Although I wasn’t as hung over as Brad Pitt’s character in Snatch after his mother’s wake, I definitely had a pounding headache. It was a pretty harsh headache for a gin hangover. Despite this discomfort the day after the test, Bombay Sapphire gets high marks in its value. Although I found the flavor a little bland, at $30 for a 750mL bottle, the smoothness and the buzz it gave me merits a high mark in value. Although there may be better gins out there, Bombay Sapphire is definitely worth a good look for any drinker.
Sipability - 6.0
Mixability - 6.0
Drunkability - 7.5
Hangover-ability - 6.0
Bang for the Buck - 5.5
Overall - 6.0 ![]()
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Comments
I had some Bombay Sapphire at a July 4th party a couple of months ago, and I agree that it’s good if a bit bland. Still, it went down quite smoothly.
How dare you insult this fine spirit. How DARE you! It is exquisite, the good part of it is that it is just strong enough when you taste it. It isn’t BLAND! Perhaps you were smoking before you consumed it and thus dulled your taste buds!
I agree with “me”. I definitely wouldn’t call Bombay Sapphire “bland”. I think it is pleasant and smooth, aromatic and enjoyable. I definitely wouldn’t call it “full bodied” or powerfully flavoured, but it is very nice and extremely drinkable. This comes from a man who likes to drink highland single malt with a drop of water to bring out the smoke and peat. I don’t shy from strong drinks, so take it as you will.
I definitely think anyone with an even slightly discerning palate will not be disappointed by this spirit.
bombay sapphire is everything i could have ever hoped for
Hi there , im an occasional drinker since i left maryjane . . . but the first drink i had in my youth was gin . Then i tried bombay sapphire and fell in love with it . For me its the finest gin . I didnt tasted them all , but i still cant find anything better ! For guys who doesnt like it , i dont know , drink more of it man ! If you ask me , its a PURE DELIGHT , period
ok now im drunk good and tight on that stuff , and i feel quite satisfied
bombay is suberb in fact
I love almost all liquors and this is one of my favorites.
never try it before..planning to ask my friend to buy 1…
Good, but the original formula Bombay is much better.
I started out with Beefeaters and settled on Gordon’s Gin which used to be my favorite BEFORE I discovered Bombay Sapphire. Though I liked gin, both made me feel dry in the mouth and skin unless one balanced it with a lot of water or tonic. But this, is pure heaven and so smooth. Now its only Bombay Sapphire; nothing compares.
I keep two varieties of gin on hand: Tanqueray No. 10 and Bombay Sapphire. Any gin cocktail I make can be made with either brand, but which I’ll use depends entirely on the mood I’m in. T-10 has the more powerful flavor, while B-s (unfortunate acronym) is more subtle and refined. Both are very definitely gin. Yes, Boozebasher, you are a grown man, and you may suck on pine needles if that’s what you like. I say there are moments when you don’t want a G&T that makes you think the maid has just mopped out your mouth with Pine-Sol™. In those moments, Bombay Sapphire is the ONLY way to go.
I bought a bottle of BS 2 days back and Im in love with it. Im a rum drinker but the bottle caught my attention. Though a lil expensive but it was really worth it. I think rum is my first love and second is BS. Its just too smooth. I can go all night with that bottle.
Hi,
Sorry to add to the barrage of disagreement that you seem to be on the receiving end of mate, but Bombay Sapphire is by far and away the ultimate gin available on the high street and in the supermarket.
I have several friends and family who are gin drinkers and I’ve never met anyone who disagrees that Bombay Sapph is THE BEST without question. It’s crisp, clean and excellent. It is superb with real Tonic water such as Schweppes. Tanqueray, Gordon’s, Beefeater etc are all totally sufficient, but if the blue bottle is behind the bar, it’s always worth the extra money…
Absolute genuis.
Tom
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