A noble juniper drink, a descendant of the sweet and rustic jenever, is on the market in many varieties, types and variations. We will consider the most popular brands of gin, which are respected among connoisseurs all over the world (including Russia). But this rating does not exhaust the list of worthy brands, there is always a chance to stumble upon a “not promoted”, but a good manufacturer.

Attention! The list includes only brands of "London dry gin" - the most popular type.

Gordon's (Gordon's)

British gin produced since 1769. Today, the brand firmly holds the position of the best-selling "London dry" in the world, and for more than a hundred years it has been the favorite gin of the British themselves.

The first producer and godfather of the drink was the Scotsman Alexander Gordon. The invented recipe turned out to be so successful that it has not changed until now (and, of course, is kept in the strictest confidence - only 12 people know the exact composition and proportions).

It is only known that the recipe includes juniper, coriander, angelica, licorice, violet root, orange and lemon peel. Distillation lasts ten days, in addition, no sugar is added to the drink - it is so good that it has no taste flaws that would need to be masked.

Beefeater (Beefeater)

Another old English stamp - the first issued in London in 1862 by James Barrow. The company belonged to the descendants of the first manufacturer until 1994, when the company was bought by the alcohol corporation Pernod Ricard.

On the brand's website, the composition of the gin is directly indicated: juniper, angelica root, coriander, licorice, almonds, violet root, orange (bitter orange) and lemon flakes, but this does not mean that the company did not keep a couple of ingredients a secret, besides proportions are unknown.

All herbs and additives are soaked for 24 hours before distillation, which allows you to achieve the deepest and richest taste. Ready alcohol is taken to Scotland, where it is diluted and bottled.

Another feature of the brand is that this gin has a different strength depending on the market: the 47% version is supplied in the USA, while the rest of the world is content with only 40%.

Bombay Sapphire (Bombay Sapphire)

Despite the name, which clearly refers to the times of the East India Company, this is a rather young brand that appeared just over 30 years ago, in 1987, and today belongs to the Bacardi concern.

The drink recipe includes 10 ingredients (not counting 100% grain alcohol): almonds, lemon peel, licorice, juniper berries, violet root, angelica, coriander, cassia, cubeba and meleget pepper (grains of paradise).

Distilled not in copper, but in special "Catterheed" cubes. Herbs are placed in special mesh baskets so that alcohol vapors are additionally saturated with aromas. Thanks to this technology, the gin acquires a light floral bouquet.

Tanqueray

This brand also comes from the shores of Foggy Albion, but the brand has achieved the greatest recognition, oddly enough, in the New World, and not the Old World, namely, in the USA. Like Gordons, it is named after the founder of the company, Charles Tanqueray, who opened production in London's Bloombury in 1830.

This is London Dry Gin, made by double distillation with the addition of herbs and spices, but which ones are the secret of the manufacturer. Sommeliers recognized only juniper, angelica, licorice and coriander with certainty. The strength of the drink varies from 40% to 47.3% depending on the market.

Booth's (Boots)

Possibly one of the oldest types of gin made today, the history of the brand dates back to 1740. The founding father of the brand - Philip Booth - not only produced alcoholic drinks, but with the proceeds he financed the polar expedition of Ross, which is still reminded of Booth Bay, Felix Harbor and several other toponyms.

Feature - exposure to oak barrels from under sherry, thanks to which the drink has not a transparent, but a golden yellow color and a rich bouquet.

Gilbey's (Gilbis)

He owes his appearance to Sir Walter Gilby, a baronet and participant in the Crimean War. In 1857, returning from the battlefield, the young aristocrat, together with his younger brother Alfred, set up a trade in colonial wines, and a few years later he opened his own distillery.

In 1872, the brothers began producing gin, which today is especially popular in America and the Philippines.

Plymouth

Initially, this was the name of any gin made in the English city of Plymouth, it was not a brand, but a name protected by origin. However, today in the mentioned city there is only one production - Black Friars, which owned all the rights to the brand, until the sale in 1996. Today the brand is part of the Pernod Ricard alcohol concern.

The history of this gin begins in 1793, although the Dominican monastery (whose successors are the "black brothers") existed at the beginning of the 15th century.

Slightly sweeter than most London Drys. It is believed that this is due to the high content of various herbs, and especially roots, due to which the drink has an "earthy" flavor with softened juniper tones.

Greenall's (Grinalls)

In 1762, Thomas Greenall built a brewery, and so began the history of the company, which in the 1990s retrained from winemakers to hoteliers. However, it was not Mr. Greenall who made the gin, but his competitor, Thomas Dakin, twenty miles away. Only thanks to complex economic and family ties in 1870, these two industries merged: the first gave the new company a recipe for gin, and the second - a name.

Neither the recipe nor the technology has changed since the time of Mr. Dakin: all the herbs that make up the drink (which ones are not exactly known) are soaked in grain alcohol in order to convey the taste and aroma as much as possible.

Seagram's Extra Dry Gin (Seagrams)

Another fairly young brand that has achieved popular love and recognition. appeared on the market only in 1939, but today it is popular with no less than many brands with an older history.

Feature of production - distillation at low temperatures to extract the maximum flavor and aroma from the ingredients. The drink is then sent to age noble in oak barrels.

Thanks to this technology, gin is famous for its mild taste and exquisite unobtrusive bouquet.

Hayman's (Hymans)

Unlike many other brands, it specializes not only in the London Dry style, but also in Old Tom - alcohol, "dry" Dutch jenever, but sweeter than the classic "London Dry".

The company was founded in 1821, but gin began to be produced only in 1863. According to the official information on the manufacturer's website, the gin recipe has not changed since then.

London Hill (London Hill)

Another old English brand that has existed since the 18th century - namely, since 1785.

Not much is known about the recipe, only that it contains about a dozen herbs that are ground into a puree and double distilled along with grain alcohol.

Gin "Bombay" - one of the most famous drinks in the world, was born in 1987. Today, this British brand is considered one of the most expensive and famous in the entire gin industry. Consumers like the drink so much that you can find a bottle in any supermarket and alcohol boutique in all countries of the world.

The color and shape of the bottle are made in such a way that customers see a vessel that looks like a sapphire in front of them. However, those who have not tried such a wonderful drink yet think that Bombay gin itself has a light blue color. In fact, the liquid is completely transparent. This effect is achieved through triple distillation (distillation), as well as through the use of crystal clear water.

Drink strength

Gin "Bombay" is divided into several varieties. All of them depend on the strength of the drinks and the countries where they are delivered. For example, gin produced for Canada, Great Britain and Australia has 40% alcohol content. In other countries, you can find Bombay gin with a mark of 47%. There is also an oriental variation of the drink, which contains 42% alcohol.

What is the composition of gin "Bombay Sapphire"

The price of a bottle fully justifies the quality. So say people who have tried this drink for the first time. It consists of ten components that give such an unforgettable and pleasant taste. The most important and required ingredient Bombay gin is juniper berries.

It also includes violet and angelica roots, almonds, lemon, coriander, cubeba berries, as well as irreplaceable spices. The complexity of preparing a drink lies in the fact that all its components have to be found in different parts of our planet.

distillation process

In order to get a drink with such a pleasant taste and at the same time excellent quality, manufacturers use a triple distillation process. The first two of these produce a good Scotch spirit made from wheat malt. And already during the third distillation, the manufacturer adds various berries, roots and spices to give good taste and aroma.

By the way, despite modern technology, manufacturers use an outdated distillation Caterhead cube. The difference of this unit is that during distillation, plant components are placed in a distillation apparatus. Thus, alcohol vapors are saturated with the aromas and taste of additives, after which they begin to cool.

Such a pleasant aroma of gin is obtained due to a special distillation process. Bombay Sapphire is the only brand in the world to use herbal copper baskets. Thanks to this evaporation system, you can subtly feel the taste and aroma of the drink. This distillation process is very expensive and slow. This is another reason for such a high cost of the final product.

In the production of other types of gin, the entire distillation process takes about six hours. The result is alcohol, which is diluted with alcohol and water. Thus, a huge amount of the final product is obtained, not of the best quality. The Bombay Sapphire brand spends at least eight hours on each stage of distillation. As a result of such work, an ideal product is obtained, which remains only to be diluted with crystal clear water. Unlike other manufacturers, this trademark produces a gin in which every component plays a role. Therefore, only in a complete set, each of them will be able to convey its aroma and taste.

How and with what you can drink Bombay gin

Strong drink lovers can appreciate the taste of gin by drinking it in its pure form. This type of alcohol is considered an excellent aperitif, so it can be served before eating. The drink can be cooled a little - so it will fully show its properties. By the way, according to consumer reviews, gin can cause cold sensations in the mouth. Great snack are lemons, olives and even pickled onions.

A lot of gin lovers like to dilute it with other drinks, thus reducing the amount of alcohol in it and adding new flavors. For example, a drink will go well with a tonic, mineral water or cola. Blends of gin with citrus juices are especially good. Using this method, you yourself will be able to adjust the strength of your drink.

Consumers note that the most popular way to consume gin is in the form of cocktails. To date, there are a huge number of them, so everyone can choose a drink to their liking. The most popular gin cocktail is the Gin Tonic. But there are many others. There are many variations to experiment with.

Quality and price

Gin "Bombay" (1 liter - the volume most often found in stores) is a very high quality and delicious drink, which has been popular for more than a decade. However, not every alcohol lover can afford it. After all, Bombay gin, the price (1 liter - classic packaging), which is not the lowest, is made from high-quality ingredients supplied from all over the globe. For one bottle of real high-quality gin, you will have to pay more than two thousand rubles. But you need to be careful, as you can come across a fake.

How to distinguish a fake

Gin "Sapphire Bombay" (1 liter) is often counterfeited, as it is very beneficial for scammers. However, it is quite easy to distinguish a fake. The main thing is to know a few important rules.

Pay attention to the edges of the bottle. Each of them depicts all the ingredients that make up a real, genuine gin. If you don't see them, avoid this bottle. It is important that all images are engraved.

Also read the label carefully. On it you should see a blue background with the image of Queen Victoria. This portrait is placed on the back of the label.

The bottle must be attached. Make sure that it is correctly glued and free of all kinds of defects.

Did you know that Bombay Sapphire gin is a child of the famous alcohol holding Bacardi Limited, which produces the world-famous "Caribbean" light rum Bacardi Superior. After the merger of five companies involved in the production of alcoholic beverages, the holding has significantly expanded its range of products. Already in 1987, a new brand appeared on the market - Bombay Sapphire, which won the hearts and stomachs of fine connoisseurs of elite alcohol.

In the article:

Bombay Sapphire - production technology features

To get a drink with such a delicate taste and aroma and at the same time withstand a high degree, the producers had to try hard. They say that the main secret is in the triple distillation of wheat malt. In addition, an old distillation apparatus, the Caterhead Cube, is still used for distillation. The ingredients are loaded into copper baskets, immersed in a cube when receiving the last distillate.

Distiller at the manufacturer's factory

It is distilled twice, obtaining high-quality Scotch spirit, and during the last, third distillation, all the ingredients are put in and the distillate is evaporated very slowly, thus intending to extract the maximum taste and aroma from the constituent components. To the credit of the manufacturers, it must be said that they succeed in doing it well. In addition to the obligatory component of all gins - juniper berries, this drink uses:

• violet root and angelica;
• almond;
• lemon;
• coriander - seed;
• cubeba berries.

In addition, there are probably others, but already secret ingredients that make the taste of "Bombay Sapphire" unique.

Gin Bombay Sapphire on the global market

Gin "Bombay Sapphire" is named after the famous Star of Bombay sapphire, donated by Mary Pickford to the Smithsonian Institution. Therefore, the liter bottles into which this gin is bottled are blue. By the way, all the ingredients that make up the distillate are engraved on the sides of these bottles. It is by these edges that it is easy to distinguish real product from counterfeit.

Gin produced for Australia, Great Britain and Canada has a strength of 40°, and for export to the rest of the world, Bombay Sapphire gin is supplied with a strength of 47°. He is so loved all over the world that, perhaps, there is not a single club or pub where a blue bottle of Bombay Sapphire gin would not show off.

How and with what they drink Bombay Sapphire

The culture of drinking this unique drink is not much different from drinking a group of high-quality gins. Gin is a self-sufficient product. Therefore, it is consumed in its pure form, cooled to 5 ° C. Thus, it is drunk as an aperitif. A few olives, pickled onions or hard cheeses help put out the flames of pure gin in your mouth.

Each strong alcohol lover decides how and with what to drink Bombay Sapphire gin. There are a lot of cocktail options:

1. The most common variant is "". The composition of the ingredients is 1:1. In the finished cocktail, add a lime wedge and ice.
2. The Blue Lagoon cocktail is very popular among the regulars of alcoholic bars and nightclubs. Composition of ingredients:

• gin - 50 ml;
• syrup "" - 30 ml;
• lemon juice - 15 ml;
• drink "Sprite";

The first three components are thoroughly mixed in a shaker. The glass is filled 1/3 with crushed ice, which is poured with a whipped cocktail, and Sprite is added to taste.

1. No less popular is the Long Island Ice Tea cocktail. To prepare it you will need:

• vodka 25 ml;
• rum 25 ml;
• gin 25 ml;
• tequila 25 ml;
• Cointreau 25 ml;
• lemon juice about a teaspoon;

All ingredients in an amount of 25 ml are mixed directly in a glass. If desired, you can add "Cola".

Since all cocktails containing Bombay Sapphire gin are strong alcoholic drinks, you can use cold cuts, hard fatty cheeses, olives, dark chocolate as a snack.

If you haven't tried Bombay Sapphire Gin, do it. Preferably in a clean and chilled form, because only in this way you can appreciate its excellent taste and unique aroma.

During the production of other brands of gin, the ingredients and alcohol are distilled at the same time. To create a strong liquor Bombay Sapphire, alcohol is distilled separately and three times. Moreover, the third distillation takes place in the so-called Caterhead cubes - copper pot stills with special gratings in which the vegetable mixture is placed. There are only three Caterhead cubes in the world today, all of which are used exclusively to create Bombay Sapphire English dry gin. As a result of distillation, which lasts about 8 hours, a concentrate is obtained, which is diluted only with perfectly pure water from Lake Vrinvi. Producers of Bombay Sapphire gin claim that 47% (namely, this is the alcohol content in the final product) is the strength that best harmonizes with the complex and rich bouquet of the drink. Bombay Sapphire is practically the only English gin that is drunk neat. On the other hand, thanks to the clean, smooth taste of Bombay Sapphire gin, this robust alcoholic drink ideal for making cocktails - especially the famous martini cocktail. Bombay Sapphire gin martini cocktail is easy to make: gin is mixed with dry white vermouth in a martini glass. The proportion is usually 1:1. Ice is not added. Garnish with a skewer with a couple of olives. But that's not all that Bombay Sapphire gin can surprise us with! A diamond looks beautiful only in a decent setting - and gin producers are undoubtedly aware of this. English gin Bombay Sapphire is sold in tall, rectangular bottles with clear edges, stylized as a crystal. The bright blue color of the translucent glass of the bottle is reminiscent of sapphire. The glass is engraved with the symbols of the ten components of the drink, and the label depicts a portrait of Queen Victoria. And in 2008, Bacardi became the organizer of the most unusual and luxurious project in the history of design: the world-famous lover of "sensual minimalism" Karim Rashid, in collaboration with the jewelry houses Garrard and Baccarat, developed the design of bottles for Bombay Sapphire gin. The five bottles, called Revelation, were handcrafted from crystal and set with sapphires and diamonds. The cost of each bottle was 200 thousand dollars - incredible! By the way, Karim Rashid's collaboration with the Bombay Sapphire brand began earlier - in 1999, when he created a unique design for a cocktail glass. Karim Rashid also holds an annual competition for young designers called the Bombay Sapphire Designer Glass Competition, where students from all over the world submit their variations on the theme of glass design. Bombay Sapphire is a cult drink and a cult brand. Gin Bombay Sapphire is very different from competitors in the world market, which cannot but interest connoisseurs of quality spirits. You can buy Bombay Sapphire gin at an affordable price in our store.

Gin Bombay Sapphire is rightfully considered the most famous and most expensive among drinks of this kind. He deserved such popularity due to his original taste, as well as unusual and bright design. Now Bombay Sapphire gin is successfully sold all over the world.

The brand was created not so long ago in 1987 in the USA. But the recipe, according to which this gin is made to this day, comes from 1761. This type of gin differs from others in a more intense taste and aroma; about ten different notes can be distinguished in it. All ingredients are only of the highest quality, they are mixed in special proportions so that none of them dominates. Thus, it is possible to create a special balanced taste.

The production of Bombay Sapphire gin began in 1987 by Bacardi, a very well-known company at that time. This drink got its name in honor of the Bombay Star sapphire, because of the shape and color of the bottle.

Bombay Sapphire gin has gained worldwide popularity at a very fast pace. This was achieved thanks to the great popularity of Bacardi at that time, as well as high quality this alcoholic drink.

In 2008, designer Karim Rashid created an amazing series of five bottles of Bombay Sapphire gin. They were completely covered with top quality diamonds and sapphires.

The strength of Bombay gin, like all types of gin, is different for different countries. For Australia, Canada and Britain, Sapphire has a strength of 40 degrees, for other countries its strength is 47 degrees.

This gin is made with ten ingredients sourced from around the world and crystal clear water from Lake Vyrnuy in Wales. Thanks to this, Bombay gin has such an amazing multifaceted taste and aroma.

They use Bombay Sapphire gin as part of various cocktails, as well as in its pure form. In any case, it has a unique taste and is able to create a special mood in any environment.

How to recognize a fake

Naturally, since this drink has such a high popularity, then on the shelves of shops you can often find a fake. Distinguishing fake Bombay Sapphire is quite difficult. Since the design of the bottle is not very protected from fakes by some small distinguishing features. And the blue bottle does not allow you to clearly see the presence or absence of sediment in the drink. But still there is distinctive features by which you can recognize a fake:

1. Look closely at the bottle. All the ingredients of the drink are engraved on the side faces of the bottle. Also note that the edges of the bottle should be slightly concave inwards.

2. The name of the gin is printed on the white label in a corporate font, and the image of Queen Victoria in a relief medallion is also mandatory. All inscriptions should be embossed to the touch. The back label contains all the information about the drink, as well as the obligatory UK barcode (starts at 500-509).

3. It is obligatory to have a neat, evenly pasted excise stamp.

4. The presence of even the slightest errors in the text on the label is not allowed. In fakes, the font may differ, and the quality of inscriptions and images for fakes is much inferior.

Do not buy alcoholic beverages of this class in suspicious stores or in the market. It is better to do this in specialized stores of alcoholic beverages.

These recommendations will help you choose a quality drink even at the stage of inspecting the bottle in the store. But if you have already bought Bombay Sapphire gin, then you have the opportunity to evaluate whether there is sediment in it. True Bombay gin does not allow sediment or any kind of flakes. Also, the smell and taste should not contain notes of alcohol. If you smell alcohol after opening the bottle, then you can be sure that you bought a fake gin.