This is just one perfect day for another G&T Sunday-review. One of the first real spring-days, at least here in Amsterdam. My choice for today is Bombay Sapphire Gin and since I’ve still got some bottles of Fever Tree, I figured I’d just try that combination. The gin I’m using today has a different method of distillation than the one from last week , although both Bombay Sapphire and Tanqueray are London Dry Gins. The main difference lies in the fact that Bombay Sapphire uses a vapour distillation, in which it allows the vapours of the grain alcohol to pass the botanicals to infuse the spirit. The spirit has a lighter character than most other gins and this is exactly why Bombay Sapphire has been produced: to attract people who like a lighter spirit, but more exciting than plain vodka. There are 10 botanicals that are used for producing Bombay Sapphire, adding a lot of depth to the gin, although it remains quite a light gin overall.
Just like last week, my tonic of choice is Fever Tree, quite a young brand that goes back to the origins of Tonic Water. It uses quinine, which gives it a somewhat bitter flavour, balanced with a pleasant sweetness. Subtle citric notes complete the palate, so a very pleasant tonic water in itself.
Now how do these two combine? Does the light character of the gin have enough strength to work with the flavours in fever Tree? The nice thing is that together these products become a very interesting mix, complementing each other nicely. Because the juniper is not so heavy in Bombay Sapphire, the upper tones in flavour are those of citrus, coming from the coriander and lemon in Bombay and also from the tonic itself. The bitter elements in Fever Tree are still there, and the sweet notes in Bombay Sapphire, like cinnamon and liquorice balance it out quite nicely. The smell of the two combined is especially nice: the vapour distillation of the gin delivers a light-bodied spirit, but with a strong nose. Fever Tree is well carbonated, so these aromas reach your nose before you take a sip – an extra dimension to the taste. You can add a part of fresh lime of lemon to the drink, which will freshen it up. Nice tip I got from a bartender: add a mintsprig to the drink, that will add even more flavour to the G&T.
To me, this is a very refreshing G&T, perfect for a lazy afternoon drink in the sun. You can drink a few of these without getting that juniper-belly, which too me is good when I want to drink, well, a few. The drink gets better when it’s a bit diluted, the bitter edges are taken off making it even better.
Rating: 8.0/10
Method:
Mix 50 ml /1.5 oz Bombay Sapphire in a longdrink with lots of ice. Top up with Fever Tree Tonic Water and add lime or lemon if you’d like. Give a gentle stir and serve.