NV Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin

Community Tasting Notes (11) Avg Score: 90.9 points

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  2/23/2024 - Rote Kappelle Likes this wine: 94 Points

  In a way this is a love letter to a Gin that I have known well for over 20 years, that I have always adored, but that I sometimes overlook, until I chance to use it in a Martini, a Negroni, or perhaps a G&T (but the latter is really a form of backsliding from Gin integrity).
  
  To me this is the archetype of the London Dry style. Personally, this is the style on which any decent Gin collection is based. The key element of Gin is Juniper and the London Dry style is absolutely driven by Juniper. It is the motor and it is a big V8. It demands your attention. Behind this is the sophisticated steering provided by the botanicals, usually powered by peppery characters and it is so responsive.
  
  Then you have the wonderful ride of the suspension provided by restrained orange, grapefruit and poo. In this Gin they don't just smooth out the botanicals, they keep the ride firm, not harsh. It is about balance, beautiful balance.
  
  I see Bombay as the perfect Gin for a Negroni. It makes a good Martini, though I tend to find I want a little more Vermouth than usual, because there is a hint of spirit harshness.
  
  The issue with G&T is that tonic interferes with the more subtle aromatics in Gin and drowns them out. Still (pardon the pun) this does make for a fine G&T but you must, absolutely must, use a double or even triple measure. Don't f*#k about with your G&T - make it strong or die a miserable death.
  
  I have had so many wonderful times infused with Bombay, some in company, many without. In a Negroni it sits just on top of the Campari and then my favourite Sweet Vermouth, Punt e Mes, provides the rock solid bass line. I can see the sun on a cold winter's day, as I have a Bombay based Negroni after a fine roast and, just for one fleeting moment, all is perfect; Schubert's 'Death and the Maiden' or perhaps Beethoven's 'Grosse Fugue', a piece I have spent 30 years trying to fully understand (and I am still not close).
  
  I have scored this 'Outstanding' because I think it really provides the standard for 'what is a London Dry Gin'. It is also hard not to see it as a truly outstanding Gin in its own right and then there is remarkable PQR.

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  9/1/2019 - Harley1199 Likes this wine:

  Single shot on the rocks.
  I keep it all year in the freezer. Aromas of dill and pepper intermingle with others more fruity. The palate is deep despite being diluted with ice cubes, dry and very very long. As always, ready to refresh your spirit with one of the best gin-tonic in the world.
  
  Servida una medida con hielo. La mantengo todo el año en el congelador. Aromas a eneldo y pimienta se entremezclan con otros mas frutales. En boca es profunda pese a diluirse con los cubitos de hielo, seca y muy muy larga. Como siempre, lista para refrescar tu espíritu con uno de los mejores gin-tonic del mundo.

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  11/22/2016 - Ombibulous Likes this wine: 88 Points

  My favourite gin combining quality without an excessive price. You can't go wrong with Bombay Sapphire. I've been nursing this bottle for years.

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  2/27/2016 - HStaal wrote: 90 Points

  Practice tasting for Unit 4 Spirits Exam of WSET Diploma; 2/27/2016-2/28/2016 (Warfield): Appearance: This is clear with a water-white colourless colour.
  Nose: The nose is clean showing medium intensity aromas of citrus fruit, juniper, liqourice, floral notes. This is unaged.
  Palate: This is dry in the mouth with smooth alcohol. It has a medium body and medium intensity flavours of citrus fruit, juniper, liqourice, floral notes, and slightly peppery bite on finish. The finish is medium and some complexity.
  Conclusion: It is a very good quality spirit. It has a good balance, good complexity, smooth alcohol.

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  4/18/2015 - HStaal wrote: 89 Points

  WSET Level 4 Course - WSET School; 9/6/2014-5/23/2015 (WSET School, Bermondsey): Appearance: This is clear, water-white and colourless.
  Nose: The nose is clean showing light and delicate intensity aromas of perfumed, floral(lavender, saffron), juniper, fruit notes, cardamom, liquorice. This is un-aged.
  Palate: This is dry in the mouth with smooth alcohol. It has a medium body and light and delicate intensity flavours of floral (lavender, saffron), juniper, fruit notes, cardamom, liquorice. It has an oily viscosity. The finish is long and very complex.
  Conclusion: It is a very good quality spirit. Well integrated alcohol, well balanced, good complexity. Standard Price (£24.99 for 1 litre)

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