Bombay Sapphire 200ML

Bombay Sapphire 200ML is a 200ml bottle of London Dry Gin distilled at 40% ABV using a distinctive vapor infusion process with ten botanicals. Winner of a Silver Outstanding medal at the 2016 International Wine & Spirit Competition, this expression remains one of the most recognized gins worldwide.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Hampshire, England  |  Style: London Dry Gin  |  Distillery: Laverstoke Mill (Bombay Spirits Company / Bacardi)

Production & Heritage

Bombay Sapphire is produced at Laverstoke Mill in the village of Laverstoke, Hampshire, operated by Bombay Spirits Company, a subsidiary of Bacardi. What separates it from most London Dry Gins is its use of a Carterhead still and a vapor infusion technique pioneered by the Dakin family in the early 1830s. Rather than steeping botanicals directly in the spirit, the distilled alcohol passes as vapor through a perforated copper basket cradling ten botanicals — almond, lemon peel, liquorice, juniper berries, orris root, angelica, coriander, cassia, cubeb, and grains of paradise — producing a notably lighter, more delicate flavor profile than conventional methods yield.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with bright, assertive citrus — lemon peel leading the way — followed by a bed of juniper and a faint touch of alcohol warmth. Beneath that initial brightness, subtle sweet and aromatic undertones emerge.

Taste: The entry is delicate and slightly sweet, with light juniper, lemon zest, and coriander arriving first. The mid-palate shifts noticeably as earthy spice takes hold, with peppery, almost chilli-like heat and stewed vegetal notes building toward the peak. It is a gin that reveals its complexity in layers rather than all at once.

Finish: Medium in length, the finish carries lingering piney juniper alongside faint lavender and mixed peppery spice. A residual sweetness keeps it balanced and approachable as the heat gradually fades.

How to Drink Bombay Sapphire

The 200ml format is ideal for sampling neat or with a splash of water to appreciate the vapor infusion's subtlety. Bombay Sapphire's lighter botanical character also makes it a strong cocktail base:

• Gin & Tonic: The citrus-forward profile and delicate juniper integrate seamlessly with premium tonic, letting each botanical shine through.
• French 75: Its lemon-peel brightness and light sweetness complement the champagne and citrus elements without overpowering the drink.
• Tom Collins: The peppery spice and coriander notes add depth to this classic tall serve, balancing the sugar and fresh lemon juice.

Best For

• Sampling a benchmark London Dry Gin without committing to a full bottle
• Travel-friendly cocktail preparation in hotel rooms or at picnics
• Stocking a home bar tasting flight alongside other gin styles
• Including in a curated gift set for gin enthusiasts

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bombay Sapphire taste like? Bombay Sapphire leads with bright lemon citrus and light juniper before transitioning into earthy, peppery spice with subtle coriander and vegetal undertones. The finish is medium-length with lingering juniper and mixed pepper.

How does Bombay Sapphire compare to Tanqueray? Both are top-selling London Dry Gins, but Tanqueray leans heavily on bold, traditional juniper dominance, while Bombay Sapphire's vapor infusion method produces a more modern, complex, and citrus-driven profile with ten botanicals versus Tanqueray's four core ingredients.

Is Bombay Sapphire good for cocktails? Yes — its lighter, more delicate botanical character makes it one of the most versatile mixing gins available, working well across a wide range of cocktails from a classic G&T to a Martini without overwhelming other ingredients.

Where is Bombay Sapphire made? Bombay Sapphire is distilled at Laverstoke Mill in the village of Laverstoke, Hampshire, England, at a facility operated by Bombay Spirits Company, a subsidiary of Bacardi.

What foods pair well with Bombay Sapphire? Smoked salmon, where the gin's lemon-peel notes mirror a classic garnish; mild goat cheese, whose tanginess complements the coriander and juniper; grilled prawns with a citrus glaze; cucumber-based salads that echo the gin's freshness; and lightly spiced Thai dishes that play off the cubeb and grains of paradise.

What sizes does Bombay Sapphire come in? Bombay Sapphire is widely available in 200ml, 375ml, 750ml, and 1L formats, with the 200ml bottle serving as a convenient trial or travel size.

Is Bombay Sapphire worth the price? Bombay Sapphire positions as a solid mid-range London Dry Gin — its vapor infusion process and ten-botanical recipe deliver a level of complexity that punches above many gins in its price tier, making it a reliable staple rather than a bare-bones budget option.

Why Bombay Sapphire?

The Carterhead still vapor infusion method is the defining reason this gin exists as a distinct category contender rather than just another London Dry. By suspending botanicals above the spirit rather than boiling them in it, the distillers extract a lighter, more nuanced aromatic profile — a technique with roots stretching back to the 1830s. That approach, combined with a ten-botanical recipe spanning three continents of sourcing, earned Bombay Sapphire a Silver Outstanding at the International Wine & Spirit Competition. In the 200ml format, it serves as an accessible entry point for exploring why vapor-infused gin tastes fundamentally different from its steep-distilled counterparts.