Bombay Original London Dry Gin

The Container: Though less famous than its blue counterpart, the regular Bombay Dry Gin bottle shares the typical squat, rectangular shape of Bombay bottles. Helpful details about the formula, listing the spices utilized, are on the back; but it’s otherwise ordinary. This is acceptable, as it ought to reside in your icebox. In the Vessel: It’s clear, as expected for gin. Its consistency is slightly thicker than water but less so than certain vodkas I have encountered. The Aroma: Gentle juniper mingled with abundant floral scents. It possesses a very "accessible" kind of bouquet, a pleasant fusion of all the included spices. Nothing aggressively dominates. I imagine the spices as elderly gentlemen at a table, engaged in quiet conversation over a card game. They are all present, yet none seek undue attention. Flavor: Initially, it seems to present a higher alcohol percentage than 43%, with a noticeable spirit presence. This mellows somewhat as it develops, yielding to a blend of juniper and spices (coriander and licorice root are most prominent for me). The conclusion begins with some alcoholic dryness but becomes sweeter as it progresses. However, the spirituous note persists throughout the entire taste experience. Considering the cost, this is a solid choice among London Dry selections. It would perform adequately in any mixed drink requiring it, but I would not suggest it for savoring neat.

Tried the 86 proof (43% ABV) bottling. Chilled (from the freezer) neat - the sample might have been too cold, as no aroma was detectable. The flavor was milder than other gins, with juniper upfront, followed by a brief citrus note, then a surprising alcoholic warmth and a licorice sweetness. The second airline bottle was mixed 2:1 with Dolin Dry and approximately 2 dashes of Angostura Orange bitters. The mildness was much more apparent. Juniper was present but was quickly overshadowed by the vermouth. The licorice sweetness was enhanced. Not a successful mix at this ratio; it was very unbalanced. A 4:1 or 5:1 ratio might be needed to achieve the proper balance.

A refreshing London Dry Gin from Bombay Sapphire Distillery in White Church, United Kingdom. It's made with 8 botanicals: juniper berries, almond, lemon peel, licorice, orris root, angelica root, coriander seeds & cassia bark, and bottled at 37.5% ABV. The aroma offers scents of pine, coriander, & anise; the taste brings forth notes of juniper, bright lemon & rosemary; concluding with a pleasant & well-rounded finish of moderate duration. February / August 2023

This London Dry Gin at 43% ABV delivers all the expected gin characteristics. Traditional scents of juniper and coriander are prominent on the nose. The initial taste is smooth, featuring juniper and licorice on the palate. The finish offers a zesty combination of coriander and citrus with a hint of vanilla. It performs admirably served neat or in mixed drinks. A gin and tonic is crisp, and when paired equally with Noilly Prat Extra Dry Vermouth, it creates my preferred martini.

The nose is botanical, herbal, and earthy, with a very green and slightly spicy character. The botanicals on the palate are well-integrated and balanced, with only a few being subtly discernible, but none truly stand out. Consequently, it comes across as fairly neutral. It has a light sweetness with a good herbal intensity on the finish. A solid gin for daily enjoyment.

It tastes like a pine tree, including the needles, bitter bark, and soil. It's earthy and prominent, with abundant juniper on the palate and finish. It's distinctive, and its flavor will be apparent in any drink you mix it with. I enjoy using it with sweeter liqueurs to balance them out effectively.