Bombay Sapphire Gin (70cl, 40%)

A London dry gin made by vapour infusion rather than steeping and boiling the botanicals. Alcohol vapour passes through perforated copper baskets containing the plant ingredients and absorbs their essential oils before condensing back into liquid. The recipe combines juniper, lemon peel, coriander seed, iris root, angelica root, bitter almonds, liquorice, cassia bark, cubeb pepper and grains of paradise. It is bottled at 40% ABV in the distinctive blue 0.7 litre bottle and contains no colouring. The nose brings juniper and lemon peel with the sweet-sour filling of a lemon meringue tart, plus black and white pepper, Indian spices and a faint herbal note. The palate starts delicate, light and slightly sweet, with restrained juniper, lemon peel and coriander, then stronger pepper and chilli heat and cooked vegetable notes. The finish leaves pine-like juniper and peppery spices, with a hint of lavender.