Bombay Sapphire vs Gordons Gin: 2 Great Gins Go Head to Head & More

Bombay Sapphire vs Gordons Gin

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To tell you a little bit more about that here, though:

Here’s a comparison of Bombay Sapphire vs. Gordon’s Gin:

Origins & Background

Gordon’s Gin dates back to 1769, founded by Alexander Gordon in London. It created the classic London dry style and remains one of the world’s bestselling gins—owned today by Diageo.
Bombay Sapphire is far younger, launched in 1986–87 by International Distillers & Vintners (later Diageo, now owned by Bacardi). It was created during a slump in gin sales, with a distinctive blue bottle and modern marketing tied to colonial-era India symbolism.

Botanicals & Distillation

Gordon’s employs a triple‑distilled grain spirit flavored with juniper berries, coriander, angelica root, licorice root, orris root, lemon peel and orange peel. It has remained largely unchanged since 1769. No sugar is added, making it a true dry gin.
Bombay Sapphire uses the vapour‑infusion method: alcohol vapors are passed through baskets of botanicals. It features 10 botanicals—juniper, coriander, angelica root, orris root, liquorice, lemon peel, orange peel, cassia bark, cubeb berries, and grains of paradise—with a softer, more aromatic, floral and citrus‑spice profile.

Alcohol Strength & Variants

Gordon’s is sold at various ABV levels depending on market:
- UK: 37.5 % ABV (since 1992)
- North America: 40 %
- Duty‑free/export “Traveller’s Edition”: up to 47.3 % ABV.
Bombay Sapphire is typically 40 % ABV in UK, Europe, Canada, Australia; higher 47 % ABV in U.S. and export markets.

Flavor Profile & Serving

Gordon’s is juniper‑forward—clean, crisp, fresh, citrus‑dry, fairly simple and straightforward. Its heavy juniper dominates and may appear one‑dimensional but is considered classic and mixable.
Bombay Sapphire is more layered and aromatic. Expect citrus zest, peppery spice, floral undertones, almond or earthy grains of paradise notes, and a longer finish. Tasters describe it as more complex, elegant, and better appreciated neat or in cocktails that highlight its botanical nuance.

Personal reviews align: one reviewer said, “Bombay Sapphire is a more complex gin than Gordon’s … with a touch more spice and citrus zest” and another called Bombay “warming, spicy‑sweet … long lingering finish,” whereas Gordon’s was “dull, one‑note … smooth, dry”.

From Reddit:

“Gordon’s is the baseline for London Dry flavor profile. Its heavier on juniper and licorice than Bombay… Bombay is more citrus‑forward.”
“Bombay Sapphire is a bit more complex and easier to enjoy neat. Gordon’s is good for mixing…”.

Cocktail Use & Mixability

Gordon’s excels in classic drinks like the Gin & Tonic or Gimlet: its foundation is reliable, not overpowering, and widely available at budget price. Ideal when juniper presence is desired without distraction.
Bombay Sapphire, with its aromatic complexity, shines in cocktails like the Negroni, French 75, or more refined martinis—where flavor layering enhances the drink rather than dominates it.

Price & Positioning

Gordon’s is typically cheaper and positioned as a reliable, accessible entry‑level London dry gin. It’s one of the best‑selling gins globally and especially popular for volume consumption.

Gordon’s Gin Pick n Pay

You can buy a 750 ml bottle of Gordon’s Gin at Pick n Pay for R189.99.

Bombay Sapphire Gin vs Tanqueray

If you would like to know how Bombay Sapphire compares to Tanqueray, you can read all about that here.

Photo credits: Drinks Geek