Bombay Bramble

Appearance: Deep pink/light red. Clear, no sediment. Sampling Neat: Nose: Blackberry, raspberry, stewed rhubarb. Underlying spice notes (clove?) and an earthy quality are present. Palate: Tastes of red berries, but there's a soapy flavor, and the mouthfeel is bitter, drying, and almost astringent. Finish: A papery, cardboard note that is unsettling and unpleasant. Tasted with tonic water, mixed 1:2, with a lime slice and two ice cubes: Nose: Fragrant, light berry aromas with lifted botanicals in the background. Smells of rosewater, hibiscus, and rosehip tea, with a hint of sandalwood. Palate: Smooth and gentle, with the characteristic Bombay Sapphire flavor coming through, supported by a variety of berry notes that are both deep and subtle. Refreshingly familiar yet distinct and satisfying. Finish: Medium length. The palate smoothly transitions into a classic gin finish, with hints of juniper and coriander in the aftertaste. An intriguing flavored gin that I initially disliked when tasting it neat, but its character completely transformed when mixed with tonic water for a classic G&T. This gin is clearly designed for mixing, and I strongly advise using it solely for that purpose. Some sloe gins are so sweet and thick they're practically liqueurs, but this is absolutely not in that category. The classic gin botanicals are just detectable but mostly overshadowed by the berry flavors. While I've tasted superior flavored gins, I have no problem finishing this bottle by making G&Ts, though I likely won't repurchase it. "Above Average": 82/100 (3.25 stars)

Bombay Bramble has a lovely wild berry flavor that seamlessly masks the alcoholic aftertaste while avoiding being too sweet or overpowering. This gin also has a stunning color when mixed. I would recommend it to any Bombay lover looking to enhance their drink with a bit of flavor. And to those new to gin who are ready to try a flavored style with a quality gin behind it. Personally, I absolutely love this gin and think it suits a variety of mixers.

It is now available in the US and is 43% ABV here. It has that distinct Bombay gin aroma initially, then blackberry then raspberry. It has a tart taste but then settles into the classic Bombay juniper gin flavor. I'm not a fan of flavored gin; I'm a purist at heart, but this is worth trying. We sampled the "recipe" on the bottle; it was absolutely delicious with fresh squeezed lemon, simple syrup over ice. Definitely a summer drink.

Some find this gin medicinal or like cough drops, but I enjoy its pronounced berry notes along with some juniper, herbal, and forest-like spice that feels autumnal or festive. While reviews suggest it's good with tonic or on the rocks in summer, I feel it suits those other seasons much better. It's usually priced normally, but I've seen it for as low as 16.5 EUR per bottle.

Fruity, vibrant, and full of flavors of blackberry, ginger, and a distinct berry aftertaste that lingers on the tongue. However, it's not overly sweet, which allows the floral notes to shine. The nose is fresh and filled with lavender and blackberries. Incredibly delicate and tasty.

Drinking it neat was too intense for my preference. Mixing it with cranberry juice made it much more enjoyable, as the juice softened the strong character. The berry flavor was very prominent. I will definitely include this beverage in my summer drink selections!