One of the most highly revered gins is Bombay Sapphire Gin- a British gin in the so-called ’’... London Dry...’’ style. It comes in a most attractive blue looking bottle but the sapphire blue color comes from a plastic film-the bottle itself is a white transparent colour. I have seen it described as ’’...the world’s best gin...’’ and certainly it really approaches perfection. Why do much respected magazines and authoritative reviewers give such a high rating to Bombay Sapphire Gin ? It cant be for the sapphire blue plastic film can it ? No most decidely it is do with the gin itself !
This English gin is actually made with no less than ten natural botanicals and this is reputedly the most of any gin. The botanicals include the likes of paradise, almonds from Spain, , lemon peel also from Spain, , licorice from China, , juniper berries from Italy, , cubeb berries from Java, , orris from Italy, , coriander (seeds), angelica, cassia bark from Indo-China, and 100 per cent grain neutral spirits. These botanicals are what give the gin its flavor so now you can appreciate why Bombay Sapphire is a real gem as regards flavor. More interesting nformation can be gleaned from a visit to their website - http :// http://www.bombaysapphire.com.
As mentioned previously, this product comes in a sapphire blue looking bottle but I can assure you the gin itself is not blue.It is, however, medium to full bodied and has loads and loads of pungent flavors, thanks to the impressive array of natural botanicals. It is fresh and clean with a very classy finish. It has a complex flavour with a strong hint of lemon. It is arguably the classiest and most elegant of all gins. It also has a lengthy pedigree having been produced by the Bombay Spirits Company in Britain since 1761.
Of course, there is a downside - you have to pay for classy products and Bombay Sapphire gin is a bit more expensive than most other brands. Expect to pay around US$20 for a 750 ml bottle at your local liquor store or in the drinks section of your nearest supermarket. Is the price differential justified ? Yes it most certainly is for this is an outstanding gin ! It is justifiably famed for its smoothness and despite being 94% proof, it finishes smooth.I love its spicy, aromatic flavors and it goes great in a Martini or as part of that great English favorite-Gin and Tonic. It is a classic pre-dinner drink and is real classic stuff well worth trying if you have yet to sample it !