First Impressions
Star of Bombay is Bombay Sapphire's premium expression, adding bergamot and ambrette seed (from the hibiscus family) to the classic 10 Sapphire botanicals. The distillation has been deliberately slowed to give alcohol vapours more time to interact with botanicals, extracting more flavour. At 47.5%, the higher proof carries the enhanced extraction.
Tasting
The nose reveals bergamot, lime, jasmine, and violet — big and sweet with sharp bitter citrus and sappy juniper. On the palate, thick and oily with black pepper and bitter peel up front, softening to sweet orange and lemon with darker spice and black liquorice. The finish is soft, spicy, long, and dry with lingering bitter citrus.
The Bottom Line
Star of Bombay earns an 8 for demonstrating what happens when Bombay Sapphire slows down and turns up the volume. The bergamot and ambrette additions bring genuine complexity, and the 47.5% carries everything with authority. At around £30, the premium Sapphire that justifies its position above the blue bottle.
