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Bombay Sapphire Gin Price, Sizes & Buying Guide

Will Beck
Last Updated: August 7th, 2023

Bombay Sapphire was first created by IDV in 1986. Bombay Sapphire is a premium brand and is among the highest-selling gins in the world.

Bombay Sapphire has a very distinctive botanical flavor that comes from using ten different botanicals in its production process. Bombay Sapphire is a premium gin, with the brand being known for its distinctive blue bottle.

Bombay Sapphire Gin tastes like a classic London Dry Gin and has a distinctive juniper berry flavor with aromatic undertones of coriander, almonds, and lemon peel.

It is this balance of crisp and fresh botanicals that make it one of the most sought-after gins among bartenders and gin-enthusiasts alike.

History of Bombay Sapphire Gin

history of bombay sapphire gin

Bombay Sapphire is based on a 1761 recipe from the British era and uses a combination of ten exotic botanicals from all over the world: almond, lemon peel, licorice, juniper berries, orris root, angelica, coriander, cassia, cubeb, and grains of paradise.

This Gin was created by Thomas Dakin, who was credited as “The Father of English Gin.” In 1761 Dakin began commercial production at his distillery in Warrington.

The brand changed hands several times before it was bought by Bacardi in 1998. In 2001 they began marketing Bombay Sapphire as an upmarket spirit.

How is Bombay Sapphire Gin made?

The spirit is distilled from grain and infused with a combination of ten botanicals from around the world, including juniper berries, coriander seeds, lemon peel, cassia bark, and grains of paradise.

The ten botanicals are then placed in perforated copper baskets and suspended over the alcohol vapor as it passes through one of two Carter-Head stills.

The vapor passes through the botanicals and carries with it the essential oils which give Bombay Sapphire its unique flavor.

Are there different types of Bombay Sapphire Gin?

As one of the top-selling brands of gin, Bombay Sapphire gin can be found in bars and stores wherever liquor is sold.

Most people are familiar with the standard Bombay Sapphire, but many are surprised to learn that there are a total of three different kinds of Bombay Sapphire gin.

Bombay Dry Gin

bombay dry gin

Bombay Dry Gin is one of the most well-known brands of gin in the world.

Bombay Dry Gin’s unique flavor comes from a balanced blend of botanicals, including juniper berries, coriander seeds, and cardamom pods.

The best-known botanical is juniper berries, which are common to all gins. Juniper berries are what give gin its characteristic piney or citrusy flavor.

Bombay Dry Gin has a herbal nose with hints of citrus and a clean, crisp flavor followed by a dry finish. It’s a classic London dry gin that mixes well with many ingredients and cocktails because it’s not too sweet or too spicy.

Bombay Sapphire East

Inspired by the exotic, botanical ingredients of Asia, Bombay Sapphire East is a unique and perfectly balanced gin.

The distinctive blue bottle represents the ten exotic botanicals used in the recipe – two of which are added to the recipe, especially for this product: Vietnamese black peppercorns and lemongrass from Java.

The lemongrass and black pepper are distinctly present in the aroma, but juniper berries and coriander seeds remain the aromatic stars.

The palate has a welcome touch of sweet citrus flavor and great balance. It’s not too dry or too spicy. It’s smooth and light enough to sip on its own, but it also mixes well into a variety of cocktails.

Star of Bombay

Star of Bombay is made with 12 botanicals: juniper, Italian bergamot, ambrette seed, iris root, licorice root, almond, and lemon peel. Two of those ingredients are signature for this gin: ambrette seed and bergamot.

Star of Bombay London Dry Gin is one of the top-quality gins in the world. It has a distinctly aromatic and spicy character with a full-bodied mouthfeel.

The dryness and high alcohol content of the gin (47.5%) help to balance out the sweetness of the cocktail, making it more refreshing to drink.

What is the difference between Bombay Sapphire Gin and Bombay Dry Gin?

bombay sapphire gin and bombay dry gin

The two gins have different botanical profiles, with Sapphire including cubeb berries, grains of paradise, and coriander seed, and Dry including cardamom seeds and citrus peel.

In terms of taste, this means the two gins vary quite markedly from one another. Bombay Sapphire tends to have a more complex flavor profile, with each botanical being harder to pick out than in Bombay Dry.

The sweetness in Sapphire means it’s often said to be a better gin for beginners, as it provides a softer introduction to gin drinking than the more traditional style of London Dry.

Although the differences between the two gins are pronounced, they share several similarities too. Both are made using identical methods at Laverstoke Mill distillery in Hampshire, England.

They both use the vapor infusion method of distillation rather than London dry’s pot distillation. And they’re both made using identical base spirits (grain alcohol produced using traditional methods) in identical stills.

Bombay Sapphire Gin Price

bombay sapphire gin prices

The price of Bombay Sapphire is usually in the same price bracket of 15 to 30 US Dollars for 750 ml bottles.

The following price chart provides a comprehensive list of all the prices for all the types of Bombay Sapphire Gin available in the market.

Type Size Proof Average Price
Bombay Dry Gin 750 ml 86 $16.99 – $19.99
1 L 86 $19.99 – $26.99
1.75 L 86 $26.99 – $29.99
Bombay Sapphire Dry Gin 750 ml 94 $16.99 – $22.99
Bombay Bramble Gin 750 ml 86 Starts at around $23
Bombay Sapphire East Gin 750 ml 94 $22.99 – $26.99
Star of Bombay 750 ml 95 $26.99 – $32.99
Bombay Sapphire English Estate 1 L 82 Starts at around $27

How do you drink Bombay Sapphire Gin?

how do you drink bombay sapphire gin

Whether you are a gin enthusiast who loves Bombay Sapphire or someone who is thinking about trying it, learning about the best ways to drink this spirit can enhance your experiences.

With Tonic Water

This is a classic way to drink gin, but when you’re using Bombay Sapphire, you want to make sure your tonic water is of high quality too. You don’t want to waste this premium spirit with a poor-quality mixer.

Fentimans or Franklin & Sons are amongst some of the best tonic waters on the market at the moment. Try out different ratios of gin to tonic and find your favorite combination.

The aim is to make sure that both flavors are present, so you should use slightly more tonic than gin!

With Soda Water

with soda water

Mixing gin with soda water is a popular alternative to tonic water and has become increasingly popular in recent years. Again, it’s important that you use good quality soda water, but the rest is up to you!

Is Bombay Sapphire Gin vegan?

The most important thing to say about Bombay Sapphire gin is that it is entirely vegan-friendly. All of the ingredients and processes used in the making of Bombay Sapphire are 100% suitable for vegans.

Bombay Sapphire doesn’t add any honey or other animal products to its production line or distillation process. It uses only natural ingredients, which are all vegan-friendly.

Can you drink Bombay Sapphire Gin straight?

can you drink bombay sapphire gin straight

Yes, you can drink Bombay Sapphire Gin neat.

If you’re a fan of gin but haven’t tried it straight up, then you’re missing out on something special. Drinking your gin neat can enhance and change the profile of your favorite alcohol, and there are plenty of gins that taste great by themselves.

The next time you pick up a bottle of Bombay Sapphire, try drinking it neat, on the rocks, or with seltzer water so you can enjoy this classic gin in all its glory.

How to Store Bombay Sapphire Gin?

Bombay Sapphire Gin should be stored at room temperature and kept sealed when not in use to prevent it from evaporating. The bottle should be kept away from direct sunlight to prevent the quality of the gin from deteriorating.

Because Bombay Sapphire Gin has such a distinctive taste, it should not be stored with other alcoholic beverages that might alter its flavor.

Strong-tasting liquors should also not be stored in vessels that have been used to store this Gin, as any leftover traces of the gin might spoil the taste of beverages poured into those vessels.

Is Bombay Sapphire Gin Gluten-Free?

The answer is yes! Bombay Sapphire is made with ten different botanicals, but none of them is derived from wheat or barley.

That said, Bombay Sapphire isn’t distilled from grain at all. It’s made by infusing a neutral spirit with the botanicals after distillation.

That makes it safe for those who are sensitive to even trace amounts of gluten, unlike some other spirits that are distilled from grain but considered safe by most gluten-sensitive people.

What can you mix Bombay Sapphire gin with?

Bombay Sapphire gin is a classic and clean gin with the perfect balance of botanicals. It’s a good choice for cocktails because it lets you taste the other ingredients without overpowering them.

Its taste is so smooth that it makes any drink better and can be used to create new, delicious cocktails. Below are some of the most popular Bombay Sapphire cocktail recipes you should try!

Laverstoke Cocktail

Bombay Sapphire’s Laverstoke Mill Cocktail is not only the gin brand’s signature cocktail, but it’s an embodiment of Bombay Sapphire’s commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship, both of which are reflected in the distillery itself.

To make a Laverstoke cocktail, you need

  • 3 tbsp. Bombay Sapphire
  • ½ tbsp. Martini vermouth
  • 1 tbsp. St. Germain liqueur
  • 5 tbsp. Ginger ale.

In a martini glass, squeeze one lime wedge and add gin, liqueur, ice, and ale. Top it with mint leaves and sliced ginger, and your amazing cocktail is ready to be served!

Negroni

The Negroni is a classic cocktail invented in Florence, Italy. It’s a bitter drink made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and gin – equal parts of each.

It didn’t take long for this deliciously bitter Italian aperitif to become a firm favorite amongst bartenders and cocktail drinkers across the world. The recipe is typically garnished with an orange twist.

Add ice to a mixing glass, and pour in an ounce each of Bombay Sapphire gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Stir and strain. Garnish with an orange peel or a lemon twist, and enjoy immediately!

The Negroni Martini is best served in a chilled glass — if you have time, put the glasses in the freezer to chill them before making your drink.

One of the most popular gin brands, Bombay Sapphire Gin, is a brand enjoyed by gin connoisseurs throughout the world.

The fragrant and fresh taste of Bombay Sapphire Gin is due to the ten botanicals used to flavor it. It can be enjoyed in a variety of cocktails or on its own with tonic water.

About The Author

Will Beck

Will is a true digital nomad, taking his work on the road at every opportunity. His first love is coffee, with whiskey a close 2nd. He loves nothing more than enjoying a perfectly brewed coffee with spectacular scenery whilst he coordinates behind the scenes of the Drink Stack blog!

Just so you know, if you click on a product on DrinkStack.com and decide to buy it, we may earn a small commission.


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