Bombay 1761 Gin 750ML

Bombay 1761 Gin 750ML is a juniper-driven London Dry gin bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof) in a 750ml format. Rooted in a recipe dating to 1761, this expression is the original Bombay gin — the precursor to its more widely recognized sibling, Bombay Sapphire — and has earned praise from Wine Enthusiast, which rated it favorably over Sapphire for its more assertive botanical character.

Quick Facts: ABV: 43% (86 Proof)  |  Origin: Hampshire, England  |  Style: London Dry Gin  |  Distillery: Laverstoke Mill (Bacardi)

Production & Heritage

Bombay 1761 is produced at Laverstoke Mill in Hampshire, England, a distillery now owned by Bacardi. Rather than steeping botanicals directly in the spirit, the distillery employs a vapour infusion process: neutral grain spirit passes through a copper basket holding the eight botanicals — juniper berries, coriander seeds, licorice root, almonds, lemon peel, cassia bark, orris root, and angelica root — resulting in a lighter, more delicate extraction of flavors. This method distinguishes both Bombay expressions from many competitors that rely on direct boiling, and the 1761 recipe's tighter botanical count (eight versus Sapphire's ten) keeps the juniper firmly in the driver's seat.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Juniper arrives immediately and dominates the nose, followed by an earthy, herbal quality that recalls fresh-potted plants. A warm, slightly sharp spirit note hovers underneath, with subtle hints of citrus peel emerging as the gin opens up.

Taste: The entry is smooth, with juniper leading a clean, dry palate. At mid-palate, a near-vanilla sweetness — likely from the wheat-based spirit — surfaces alongside bitter lemon pith and creamy angelica. Almond and licorice root add a soft nuttiness that rounds out the center without competing with the juniper core.

Finish: Medium in length, the finish sees juniper meld into gentle baking spice notes from cassia bark and coriander. A light, dry bitterness from orris root lingers at the very end, keeping the gin crisp and inviting another sip.

How to Drink Bombay 1761

At 43% ABV, Bombay 1761 has enough backbone to drink neat or over a single large ice cube, where the juniper-forward profile unfolds without dilution washing it out. Its classic London Dry character also makes it an exceptional cocktail gin:

• Gin & Tonic: The assertive juniper cuts through tonic water cleanly, creating a bright, balanced highball that doesn't fade into sweetness.
• Martini: The eight-botanical simplicity and dry finish pair beautifully with dry vermouth, letting the gin's earthy herbal notes shine.
• Tom Collins: Lemon peel and almond notes in the gin dovetail with fresh lemon juice and simple syrup for a refreshing, well-layered Collins.

Best For

• Gin enthusiasts seeking a juniper-forward alternative to softer contemporary gins
• Classic cocktail lovers building a Martini or Negroni with a traditional London Dry backbone
• Side-by-side tastings comparing Bombay 1761 against Bombay Sapphire to explore the effect of botanical count
• Gifting to someone who appreciates heritage recipes and straightforward British gin style

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bombay 1761 taste like? Bombay 1761 is a juniper-forward London Dry gin with supporting notes of lemon pith, almond, licorice, and a hint of vanilla-like sweetness from the wheat-based spirit. The finish turns to soft baking spice and dry, earthy botanicals.

How does Bombay 1761 compare to Bombay Sapphire? Bombay 1761 uses eight botanicals while Sapphire uses ten, including lavender and grains of paradise, which give Sapphire a more floral and complex profile. The 1761 expression is notably more juniper-dominant and drier, and Wine Enthusiast has rated it favorably over Sapphire for its bolder botanical presence.

Is Bombay 1761 good for cocktails? Its assertive juniper character and 43% ABV make Bombay 1761 an excellent cocktail gin, particularly in spirit-forward drinks like the Martini and Negroni where a strong gin backbone is essential.

Where is Bombay 1761 made? Bombay 1761 is distilled at Laverstoke Mill in Hampshire, England, a facility owned by Bacardi that uses the vapour infusion method to gently extract flavor from its botanicals.

What foods pair well with Bombay 1761? Smoked salmon or gravlax, where the gin's juniper and lemon peel echo the cure; oysters on the half shell, whose brininess contrasts the dry herbal profile; aged hard cheeses like Manchego, which complement the nutty almond note; herb-crusted roast chicken, matching the earthy botanicals; and citrus-dressed salads that mirror the lemon peel character.

What sizes does Bombay 1761 come in? The standard size is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this expression.

Is Bombay 1761 worth the price? Bombay 1761 positions as an accessible, entry-level London Dry gin that punches above its price tier in terms of botanical clarity and juniper intensity, making it strong value for both everyday mixing and neat sipping.

Why Bombay 1761?

In a gin market that has tilted heavily toward floral, citrus-led, and contemporary styles, Bombay 1761 holds the line as an unapologetically juniper-forward London Dry. Its vapour infusion process — extracting eight botanicals through steam rather than direct boiling — delivers a remarkably clean spirit that lets each ingredient remain legible rather than blurred. The 1761 recipe predates Sapphire by over two centuries of heritage and uses a leaner botanical bill that rewards drinkers who want gin to taste unmistakably like gin. For anyone building a home bar with a versatile, well-made London Dry at its foundation, this bottle earns its place.