Are you a fan of Bombay Sapphire’s balanced London Dry style? You’re not alone. But there’s a world of gin flavors waiting to be discovered. We’ve sampled six gins that share similarities with Bombay Sapphire, each offering a distinct personality. Let’s explore…
1. Bombay Sapphire
One of the most popular gins globally, Bombay Sapphire boasts a delicate London Dry profile. Ten botanicals – including Spanish almonds, Italian juniper, and Moroccan coriander – are vapor-infused to create a light and complex character. Transparency in its botanical bill and production methods have been key to its enduring popularity.
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Tasting Notes:
Citrus is prominent on the nose; on the palate, juniper takes a backseat to earthy, floral notes of licorice and cassia.
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Texture:
Slightly oily mouthfeel, lending the spirit a good body that holds up exceptionally well in many gin cocktails.
2. Tanqueray No. TEN
If Bombay Sapphire is light and polished, Tanqueray No. TEN is sharper and more tailored — less smart-casual, more silk suit. The immediate difference is noticeable. Bombay Sapphire leads with acidic lemon, backed by a soft halo of florals and spice. Meanwhile, Tanqueray No. TEN delivers a broader citrus register: ripe grapefruit, lime peel, and sweet orange oils layered over a muscular juniper core.
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Tasting Notes:
Where Bombay glows, Tanqueray crackles.
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Texture:
Crisp and refined, with a smooth finish.
3. Citadelle
When compared to Bombay Sapphire — a de facto archetype of a delicately balanced London Dry — Citadelle feels like its French cousin, with a bit more botanical bravado. While Bombay Sapphire delivers that bright, lemon-driven citrus, Citadelle Gin opens up differently. Juniper is in the driver’s seat, and the citrus is layered with orange peel and floral elements.
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Tasting Notes:
The result is still acidic and expressive, but the nose is tempered by herbaceous and spicy notes from the 19 progressively infused botanicals.
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Texture:
Smooth and rich, with a subtle complexity.
4. Martin Miller’s Original Gin
Martin Miller’s Original Gin offers a nuanced approach. Rooted in tradition, yet elevated by technique, it’s built on the goal of “tasting of gin and not of some highly flavored confection.” Crafted using time-honored copper pot stills in England, the spirit undergoes two separate distillations – one for juniper and earthy botanicals, another for citrus peels – before blending with Icelandic spring water.
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Tasting Notes:
A more layered and nuanced flavor profile compared to traditional London Dry gins.
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Texture:
Clean and crisp, with a subtle herbal character.
5. Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin
Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin is a vibrant expression of modern Australian craft gin. The use of whole Australian oranges and native lemon myrtle reveals a broader, more layered citrus flavor compared to Bombay Sapphire’s instantly recognizable aroma.
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Tasting Notes:
A complex and intriguing flavor profile with notes of orange peel, ginger, and eucalyptus.
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Texture:
Smooth and approachable, with a lingering finish.
6. Distillery No. 209
Operating from San Francisco’s Pier 50, Distillery No. 209’s flagship gin is meticulously crafted using a custom-made copper pot still and a five-times-distilled process. The result is a spirit with notable clarity and balance. No. 209 delivers an immediate punch of citrus, similar to Bombay Sapphire, but the addition of fragrant bergamot orange lends it a more floral aspect.
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Tasting Notes:
A complex interplay between citrus and florals, with a subtle spice character.
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Texture:
Crisp and refined, with a lingering finish.
7. Plymouth Gin
Plymouth’s historic recipe, over 200 years old, emphasizes authenticity and heritage. Considered one of England’s foremost premium gins, Plymouth Distillery was awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status in 2008. Besides requiring production within the city of Plymouth, England, the PGI stipulates that “Plymouth gin” must have a predominant juniper flavor and a minimum 37.5% ABV.
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Tasting Notes:
A full-bodied and complex flavor profile with notes of juniper, citrus, and astringent botanicals.
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Texture:
Smooth and rich, with a subtle earthy character.
Whether you’re a seasoned gin connoisseur or just starting to explore, these six gins offer something unique. Ready to expand your palate?
