What Is the Difference Between Bombay Sapphire and Bombay London Dry Gin?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a gin lover, you’ve probably heard of Bombay Sapphire and Bombay London Dry Gin. These two gins are both produced by the same company, but they have some distinct differences that set them apart. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the difference between Bombay Sapphire and Bombay London Dry Gin.

Bombay Sapphire

Bombay Sapphire is a premium gin that was first introduced in 1987. It’s made with ten botanicals, including juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root, orris root, liquorice, almond, lemon peel, cassia bark, cubeb berries and grains of paradise. The botanicals are vapor-infused during the distillation process to create a smooth and complex flavor profile.

One of the unique features of Bombay Sapphire is its distinctive blue bottle. The bottle was designed to reflect the vibrant blue color of sapphires and has become an iconic symbol of the brand.

Flavor Profile:

  • Smooth
  • Complex
  • Aromas of citrus and spice
  • Notes of juniper and coriander
  • A hint of sweetness on the finish

Bombay London Dry Gin

Bombay London Dry Gin, on the other hand, has been around since 1761. It’s made with eight botanicals: juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root, orris root, liquorice root, almond powder, cassia bark and grains of paradise. Like all London dry gins, it must be distilled to at least 70% ABV (alcohol by volume) and can’t have any added flavors or colors.

Unlike Bombay Sapphire, the bottle for Bombay London Dry Gin is clear and features a label that’s reminiscent of classic gin labels from the 19th century.

  • Classic
  • Dry
  • Piney and herbaceous
  • Notes of juniper and coriander
  • A clean finish with a hint of spice

Key Differences Between Bombay Sapphire and Bombay London Dry Gin

The main differences between Bombay Sapphire and Bombay London Dry Gin are:

  • Botanicals: Bombay Sapphire is made with ten botanicals, while Bombay London Dry Gin is made with eight botanicals.
  • Distillation Process: Bombay Sapphire uses a vapor-infusion process during distillation, which gives it a smoother and more complex flavor profile. Bombay London Dry Gin, on the other hand, is distilled to at least 70% ABV and can’t have any added flavors or colors.
  • Bottle Design: The bottles for each gin are designed differently. Bombay Sapphire has a distinctive blue bottle, while the bottle for Bombay London Dry Gin is clear with a classic label design.

In Conclusion

While both gins are produced by the same company, they have distinct differences in terms of their flavor profile, botanicals used, distillation process, and bottle design. If you’re looking for a smooth and complex gin with a hint of sweetness on the finish, go for Bombay Sapphire.

If you prefer a classic dry gin with notes of piney juniper and coriander spice, opt for Bombay London Dry Gin. Whatever your choice, both gins are sure to satisfy the taste buds of gin enthusiasts.