It shouldn’t come as a surprise that one of the world’s best selling gins would get into the canned cocktail space. However, what is surprising is how long it took Bombay Sapphire to launch a canned cocktail stateside.
Launched in the UK in 2020, releases in the United States in 2021, Bombay Sapphire Gin and Tonic is canned at 5.9% ABV. It features their gin, natural flavors and tonic water.
The can’s recommended serve is poured, over ice, with lime.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Punchy green juniper with hints of lemon. Bombay Sapphire Gin and Tonic definitely reminds you of the gin on the nose.
Flavor: Tight, long lasting effervescence. The fizz is particularly pronounced compared to other canned gin and tonics.
Juniper and heavy citrus dominate early, while it eases into a nutty, warming finish.
Mildly sweet, Bombay Sapphire Gin and Tonic ends with a clean, crisp bitterness. The bitter is very long lasting. While it never reaches a crescendo, it lasts long after the gin flavor subsides.
Over Ice: The extra fizz and bold botanicals mean that it is among the better canned cocktails at persevering through dilution and warming.
Overall, Bombay Sapphire Gin and Tonic
The cocktail manages to represent the flavor of the gin well; however, to me it tastes a bit like it may be augmented with some additional flavors. It doesn’t taste exactly like the Bombay Sapphire does in a gin and tonic— especially not one diluted down to 5.9% ABV.
That aside, similar to the gin, juniper is the star but in concert with almond, lemon, coriander and grains of paradise.
This is a well made gin and tonic that as a cocktail judged in its own right is successful. I like the moderate sweetness. Fans of Bombay Sapphire looking for an exact canned version of the gin, with tonic water, may be disappointed. Further, I think the long lasting bitterness may push away anyone who isn’t already a gin and tonic fan.
Overall, well done, but best judged as its own thing.
Recommended in its category.