READ ALSO: Gilbey’s Gin vs Beefeater
Boodles Gin vs Bombay Sapphire
Boodles Gin and Bombay Sapphire are both popular brands of gin, each with its own distinct characteristics.
Boodles Gin:
- Boodles Gin is a British gin brand with a long history, dating back to the mid-19th century.
- It is known for its traditional London Dry style, which emphasizes a balanced blend of botanicals with a focus on juniper.
- Boodles Gin is named after the Boodle’s gentleman’s club in London, which was frequented by prominent figures.
- It has a smooth and crisp profile, with juniper being the dominant flavor accompanied by citrus and herbal notes.
- Boodles Gin is often praised for its versatility and suitability for classic gin cocktails like the Martini or Gin and Tonic.
Bombay Sapphire:
- Bombay Sapphire is another well-known gin brand, produced by Bacardi Limited.
- Unlike Boodles, Bombay Sapphire is known for its distinctive blue bottle and its contemporary take on gin.
- It features a more complex botanical blend, including ingredients like juniper, coriander, lemon peel, grains of paradise, cubeb berries, and almonds.
- Bombay Sapphire has a lighter and more floral profile compared to traditional London Dry gins, with a prominent citrusy and aromatic character.
- It’s often favored by those who enjoy modern-style gin cocktails and experimental mixes, thanks to its versatile and approachable flavor profile.
In summary, while both Boodles Gin and Bombay Sapphire are gin brands, they offer different experiences to the consumer.
Boodles leans towards a classic London Dry style with a focus on juniper, while Bombay Sapphire offers a more contemporary and botanical-forward profile.
Ultimately, the choice between them comes down to personal taste preferences and cocktail preferences.
READ ALSO: Bombay vs Bombay Sapphire & Other Gin Comparisons
Table of Contents
READ ALSO: How Is Gin Gilbeys Best Drunk?
Greenall’s Gin vs Bombay Sapphire
Greenall’s Gin and Bombay Sapphire are both notable gin brands with distinct histories and flavor profiles. Here’s a comparison to help you understand their similarities and differences:
READ ALSO: So What Is the Most Popular Gin in the World?
History:
- Greenall’s Gin: Established in 1761, Greenall’s is one of the oldest gin distilleries in the UK. It’s part of the Quintessential Brands group and has a long-standing reputation for traditional gin-making methods.
- Bombay Sapphire: A more recent brand, Bombay Sapphire was launched in 1987 but draws inspiration from a gin recipe from 1761. The brand is known for its innovative approach and unique blue bottle design.
Production Methods:
- Greenall’s Gin: This gin uses traditional copper pot stills and a carefully selected combination of botanicals to create its distinctive flavor. The exact blend of botanicals remains a closely guarded secret.
- Bombay Sapphire: Known for its vapor-infusion process, where botanicals are suspended above the spirit as it distills, allowing for a gentler extraction of flavors. This method is often credited with creating a smoother gin.
Flavor Profiles:
- Greenall’s Gin: Known for its classic London Dry gin profile, it’s characterized by a strong juniper presence with balanced citrus and spice notes. It’s a traditional gin that’s versatile for a wide range of cocktails.
- Bombay Sapphire: This gin features a more complex botanical blend, including juniper, almonds, lemon peel, licorice, orris root, angelica, coriander, cassia bark, cubeb berries, and grains of paradise. The result is a smoother, slightly sweeter gin with a more delicate flavor profile compared to traditional London Dry gins.
Uses:
- Greenall’s Gin: Given its classic profile, Greenall’s is a great choice for traditional gin cocktails like the Gin and Tonic, Martini, or Negroni.
- Bombay Sapphire: With its smoother flavor, Bombay Sapphire is versatile and can work well in a variety of cocktails, including those with more complex ingredient combinations.
Packaging and Branding:
- Greenall’s Gin: The packaging has evolved, but it generally maintains a straightforward and traditional look, reflecting its long history.
- Bombay Sapphire: Known for its distinctive blue bottle and sleek design, it has become a recognizable brand in the gin market, appealing to a younger, trendier audience.
In summary, if you’re looking for a traditional London Dry gin with a robust juniper flavor, Greenall’s is a great choice.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, slightly more complex gin with a modern appeal, Bombay Sapphire might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your preference will depend on your taste and the type of cocktails you enjoy.
Bombay Sapphire East vs Regular/Bombay Sapphire vs Bombay Sapphire East
The difference between regular Bombay Sapphire and Bombay Sapphire East is only two botanicals added to the latter.
On top of the ten botanicals used to make regular Bombay Sapphire gin, Bombay Sapphire East is also made with Thai lemongrass and Vietnamese black pepper.
Here’s a short video telling you more about that.
What does that translate to on the palate though? On the palate, Bombay Sapphire East has a stronger black pepper taste than regular Bombay Sapphire. It shines particularly in a gin and tonic because the original thinking behind Bombay Sapphire East was to create a gin that stood up better in a gin and tonic to increasingly sweeter tonic water brands.
Gordon’s vs Gilbeys Gin/Gilbey’s Gin vs “Gordon’s Gin”/Gilbeys vs Gordon’s Gin
Gordon’s and Gilbey’s are both popular brands of gin, but they have some differences in terms of their history, production process, and flavor profile.
Gordon’s is a British gin brand that has been around since the late 18th century. It is known for its classic juniper-forward flavor profile.
Gordon’s is made using a unique distillation process, where the botanicals are added to the neutral grain spirit before distillation. This process allows the flavors to meld together and create a smooth and well-balanced gin.
Gilbey’s, on the other hand, is an American gin brand (although it also originated in England) that was established in the mid-19th century.
It has a slightly sweeter and less juniper-forward flavor profile than Gordon’s, with notes of citrus and spice. Gilbey’s is made using a more traditional distillation process, where the botanicals are added to the still during distillation.
In terms of popularity, Gordon’s is perhaps more well-known and widely consumed globally, while Gilbey’s is more commonly found in the United States.
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Bulldog Gin vs Bombay Sapphire
Bulldog Gin and Bombay Sapphire are both popular London Dry Gins, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart.
Bulldog Gin
- Flavor Profile: Bulldog Gin has a smooth and contemporary flavor. It features a unique blend of 12 botanicals, including poppy, dragon eye, lotus leaves, and citrus. This gives it a modern twist with a slightly sweet and floral character, balanced by traditional juniper notes.
- Alcohol Content: It has an ABV (Alcohol by Volume) of 40%.
- Origin: Bulldog Gin is distilled in England and has gained popularity for its versatility, working well in a variety of cocktails.
- Packaging: The bottle is distinctively dark and sleek with a spiked collar design, reflecting its bold branding.
Bombay Sapphire
- Flavor Profile: Bombay Sapphire is known for its crisp and balanced taste. It incorporates 10 botanicals, including juniper, almond, lemon peel, and coriander. The flavors are bright and aromatic, with a strong emphasis on juniper and citrus notes, making it a classic choice for gin lovers.
- Alcohol Content: It has a slightly higher ABV of 47%.
- Origin: Bombay Sapphire is also distilled in England and is one of the most iconic gins worldwide, often praised for its quality and consistency.
- Packaging: The bottle is immediately recognizable with its blue color and elegant design, symbolizing the refined nature of the gin.
Comparison
- Taste: Bulldog Gin is slightly sweeter and more floral, making it a good option for those who prefer a modern twist on gin. Bombay Sapphire is more traditional with a strong juniper and citrus presence, ideal for classic gin cocktails.
- Versatility: Both gins are versatile, but Bombay Sapphire is often favored in classic gin cocktails like the Martini or Gin & Tonic, while Bulldog Gin is great for more experimental drinks.
- Alcohol Content: Bombay Sapphire has a higher alcohol content, which might give it a slightly stronger flavor profile in cocktails.
In summary, if you’re looking for a more traditional, juniper-forward gin, Bombay Sapphire is a great choice. If you prefer something with a modern, slightly sweeter twist, Bulldog Gin might be more up your alley.
Gordons Gin vs Bombay Sapphire
Personally, I have not had good experiences with Bombay Sapphire. I find it bitter, bitter, bitter.
Bombay Sapphire is the one gin that I generally don’t drink.
In my experience, it’s barely palatable. Needless to say, I much prefer Gordon’s over Bombay Sapphire. How about you?
Bombay Dry vs Sapphire: What Is the Difference Between Bombay and Bombay Sapphire?
Bombay Dry and Bombay Sapphire are two popular gin varieties produced by Bombay Spirits Company, and they have some notable differences in terms of their botanicals, flavor profiles, and intended uses.
Bombay Dry:
- Origins: Bombay Dry is a classic London Dry Gin, meaning it’s made using a traditional distillation process and has a juniper-forward flavor.
- Botanicals: It uses a selection of eight botanicals, including juniper, almond, licorice, lemon peel, orris root, angelica root, coriander, and cassia bark.
- Flavor Profile: Bombay Dry has a simpler, more straightforward flavor profile with strong juniper notes. It’s balanced with a subtle sweetness and citrusy undertones.
Photo Credits: Gilbey’s Kenya, Foreedontz MIU, Private Bar, Haute Apple Pie, Prestige Drinks, Public
Hehe, personally I tend to lay off the spirits, they make me too sick! And it all started with that sapphire pictured there! The horror I went through! LOL!
I’m thinking of starting a review website, and I would love your input in it, seeing as how your blog is absolutely fantastic. If you’re interested do let me know and we’ll discuss.
cHiArZ!!
Hi Loco,
Welcome to ChickAboutTown!
Bombay Sapphire – say no more!:-) Though I am an avid gin drinker, there is something about Bombay Sapphire that I just can’t stand – that’s despite it supposedly being a very good quality gin.
Thanks for the kudos on this site. I’d definitely love to hear more about the review website you would like to start. Tell me more by email. My address is simply: Biche@ChickAboutTown.com. I look forward to hearing more from you.
Biche
P.S. I just visited your blog, and I love that poetry entry from April 19. 🙂
Biche,
I have never compared Gordon’s and Gilbeys, as I am a sporadic gin drinker. And when I do, it’s usualy a Uganda Waragi( a drink that I shan’t rubbish for purely sentimental attachment reasons). And then one day, one fateful day, I had a gin and tonic made with Bombay Sapphire. A party in my mouth is what I can only describe it as. Wonderful taste, smell and with the crispness(is there such a word?)of the tonic, I was in heaven. Since then, I have been experimenting throwing all kinds of herbs, Rosemary, Mint, lemon rind into my waragi bottle for a few days. It’s not quite Bombay Sapphire but it does hold its end as a one-off drink, boutique Waragi I call it. To the next few drinks at Dar-alive…Citizen of the World
Hi Citizen of The World!
How great it is to see you, here on ChickAboutTown. Welcome!
Seeing your choice of handles, I must ask: are you now back safely at home? Or are you still gallivanting the world? 🙂 (Gosh, I dreamed of your Easter Sunday Dinner/Lunch all day that day and would have loved to be nowhere else more than hanging out at your place! I hope it was as fabulous as it sounded when you were planning it! :-))
Speaking of boutique Waragi (a drink definitely NOT to be rubbished – I tell you Tanzanian Konyagi can’t even begin to hold a candle to it!), I’ve had some of your wonderful Waragi on occasion. Remember the weekend I was in town and you had limes from your home country? Yummy! Rosemary, mint, lemon rind? Why Citizen – your just so creative! That should make sense though because gins differ simply because of the flavoring added to the base spirit. Which flavor have you liked most?
But that’s where our agreement comes to an end. Despite Bombay Sapphire being a supposedly really good gin, it’s the one gin that I categorically don’t drink. To me it tastes horrendous. Mais comme ils disent, les goûts et les couleurs ne se discutent pas. 🙂
Thanks for sharing. I look forward to hearing more from you on ChickAboutTown.
Big Hugs,
Biche
I have to say that I have recently had to ask myself what my favourite drink is – Gin does not do it for me anymore… (as such I am not able to comment on the debate raging here :-)) One of the commentators said Bombay Saphire setting off a party in his/her mouth – I’d be hard pressed to say that about any one alchoholic drink!! :-/
Hi Cons!
Welcome back here. I haven’t seen you here in a while. It’s a great pleasure!
By Gin not doing it for you anymore, are you referring to waragi? Chica, how can you sell out? 😉
So what seems to be taking its place? For me, someone recently mixed me a vodka and Krest Bitter Lemon, and to quote Citizen, that set off a party in my mouth! Yummy!
Talk to me.
Biche
Gilbey’s… definitely. it gets better mixed with tonic i think. the one i would not recommand is larios, which tastes quite acid lol. Shame i can’t find some gilbey’s in my small french town anymore, not even the blue saphirre (but i couldn’t afford the blue one lol)
I really like tangeray better
Hi Zelou and Richard,
To both of you, welcome to ChickAboutTown!
Zelou, thanks for weighing in about which of these two gins you prefer. I have never tried Larios but I will keep my eye out for it (out of curiosity). By blue sapphire did you mean Bombay Sapphire? That has to be my least favorite gin ever!
Richard, I have heard good things about Tanqueray, but I don’t think I’ve ever had some myself. Thanks for weighing in too!
Biche
Love Bombay Dry London Gin, but couldn’t afford it this weekend and opted for Gilbey’s because it is cheaper. I have drunk Gordons and found it tasting either oily or like paint thinner. Gilbey’s really does not have a pronounced character of any sort, but I prefer that to the citric tones of Beefeaters. So far, Gilbey’s is not bad. I detect some juniper and other aromatics but nowhere near the complexity in Bombay’s gin’s. BTW Biche, Bombay Sapphire is as characterless as any poor gin I’ve drunk. Not too impressed with Tanqueray, either.
Hi Matthew,
Welcome to ChickAboutTown! Thanks for your feedback on your experience with Gilbey’s–you seem to be quite the gin connoisseur! 🙂
Biche
I’ve always liked Gilbey’s for a cheap gin. I just moved in with my girlfriend, and she bought Gordon’s by accident. I’ll see how the unintentional taste test goes tonight.
Hi Pawel,
Welcome to ChickAboutTown! I can’t wait to hear what you have to say about the comparison of the two.
Biche
I’m not trying to negate your opinion, but your must realize Gordons is a dry gin designed for the Martini, and Gilbeys is an aromatic gin designed to mix with tonic to release it’s pungency and aroma. Their design is intended to serve an entirely different purpose.
Yeah, but I still prefer a G&T made with Gordon’s rather than with Gilbey’s.
I came here because I wanted to learn more about Gilbey’s. I’d never heard of it before I saw it in a store today. Gordon’s is my usual dry gin and I love it. Now I know that, although it’s cheaper, Gilbey’s isn’t worth the risk.
Great site! East Africa is such a fascinating part of the world.
Hi Ewan,
Welcome to ChickAboutTown!
It’s not that there’s really any risk to Gilbey’s, it’s just that it’s not the same great taste as Gordon’s.
Thanks for the kudos on my blog. I am glad you are enjoying East Africa!
Biche
Which do you prefer is a silly question…with it’s automatic distinctive juniper flavor, Gilbeys is clearly a divinely flavored gin intended to savor and mix with tonic, whereas Gordon’s, the polar opposite, a well blended biting and very dry gin, is a must for the martini.. I would never make a martini with Gilbeys, nor a gin and tonic with Gordons, but in implementing them for the purpose they were designed for, they are second to none.
Hi Jeff,
Welcome to ChickAboutTown! That’s such an interesting thing to point out. I would have NEVER thought to consider that the two gins were designed for different purposes…but then again, I don’t drink Martini cocktails. The only time I ever tasted a martini cocktail (at a Ritz-Carlton in the US), I spat it out immediately and asked the waitress for a Martini Bianco which is what I had really meant to order when I asked for a Martini.
Thanks for teaching me something new!
Biche
GORDONS — DEFINITELY THE BEST!!!
Hi Win,
Welcome to ChickAboutTown!
I am so with you on that! 😉
B.
Hi Biche and Jeff!
Firstly Biche, my company has done all the Spurs and Panarottis in Tanzania. My last project was Akemi on the 21st Floor in Dar.
My favorite place though,is at the Karambezi in the Sea cliff,sipping a Dry Martini, as the dhows sail past!
Speaking of Martinis, this is it for me; two tots Gilbeys, one tot Martini Dry Vermouth. Mix with crushed ice and pour over ten small Manzilla Olives. DO NOT turf the ice….. Heaven on Earth!
I call it the Millionaire’s Martini!
Now Jeff I have been tasting Gins for years. For me Gilbeys has the cleanest purest flavor of the lot. The botanicals are all there but subtle.
I love Gordon’s in G&T but for the subtle mix of Gin, Vermouth and Manzilla Olive and Brine, the Gilbeys is clean and super dry!
Roger…….live life to the max!
Hi Roger,
Welcome to ChickAboutTown! Before I say anything about gin, let me first say: hats off to you for the design of Akemi! It is gorgeous! (I wish the food lived up to the decor and the view though…but that’s a subject for another day.)
Yes, Karambezi epitomizes some of the best things Dar has to offer. When I first moved here, I would go there every weekend.
Now on the subject of gin and gin cocktails: that Millionaire’s Martini sounds exciting. Since I have only ever had a Martini cocktail once in my life (and I didn’t like it), I think it’s high time I try it out again. I’ll get back to you on that!
Thanks for leaving me a comment.
Biche
This is very fascinating, You’re a very skilled blogger.
I’ve joined your rss feed and look ahead to in search of
extra of your fantastic post. Additionally, I have shared your site in my social networks
Hi FreeCinemaMovies,
Welcome to Chick About Town, and thank you for the compliment.
Thank you too for joining my RSS feed and sharing my site on your social networks. I truly appreciate it!
Biche
Hey, without question; different gins for the two very differed different drinks……….
1. Gilbey’s for a martini if you can’t afford Beefeater,
2. Burnett’s for a gin & tonic if you can’t afford Tanqueray.
But Gordon’s is one gin that can do both!!! Besides, if it was good enough for 007 (although it was 94 proof in the day vs. the present 80), surely it is good enough for us mere mortals!!!
Hi VaSlim,
Welcome to Chick About Town. Thanks for weighing in on the subject.
I have never tried Gilbey’s in a martini, and I have never had Burnett’s at all. Thanks for tips…I’ll try them out.
Biche
Greetings all. I live in Colorado but recently travelled in East Africa and really enjoyed it. Burnetts is the best cheap American gin ( I’m drinking some right now). Thin on the finish but otherwise quite palatable. Beyond that I just move up to Sapphire or Tangueray. Maybe the choice of vermouth affects the martini? We are recently having a big to-do over Deep Eddy’s and Tito’s vodka. Is vodka supposed to taste oily?
Hi Phil,
Welcome to Chick About Town! Thanks for your comment.
I’ve never had Burnetts, nor have I seen it in liquor stores in East Africa. I will have to look more closely.
To the best of my knowledge, vodka is not supposed to taste oily. I don’t even know how Vodka could taste that way. 😆
Do you think one of the two vodkas you mention tastes that way? Which one?
Biche
I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the
page layout of your site? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with
it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having
one or two pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?
Hi Technology,
Welcome to Chick About Town, and thank for your comment!
I have gotten that feedback about my site (especially from millennials ;-p ). Perhaps you might enjoy my more photo-rich content. Check it out here: http://chickabouttown.com/tag/instagram/. Let me know what you think.
Regards,
Biche
When I compared Gordons to Gilbeys side by side I didn’t see any difference. I wondered if it was the same gin in 2 different bottles. Its more money but I like Boodles gin when I can find it. Or Bulldog gin is another favorite.
Hi Stevey,
Welcome to Chick About Town! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on different gins. I’ve never heard or seen either Boodles gin or Bulldog gin before. What country do you normally find them in?
Biche