Is Sapphire gin actually blue?

Answered by Jason Smith

Bombay Sapphire gin is not actually blue in color. Despite its name and the color of the bottle, the gin itself is a clear, colorless liquid. The misconception that Bombay Sapphire is blue likely stems from the association between the word “sapphire” and the color blue. However, in the case of Bombay Sapphire gin, the name refers to the precious gemstone rather than the color.

The Bombay Sapphire brand is known for its distinctive blue bottle, which was designed to reflect the vibrant and exotic nature of the gin. The blue glass not only catches the eye but also helps to protect the gin from sunlight, which can degrade the quality of the spirit over time. The bottle design has become iconic and is instantly recognizable to gin enthusiasts around the world.

The lack of color in Bombay Sapphire gin is actually quite common among gins and other spirits. Most gins are made through distillation, which removes impurities and leaves behind a clear, neutral spirit. The flavors and aromas in gin come from the botanicals used during the distillation process, such as juniper berries, coriander, and citrus peel. These botanicals impart their flavors to the spirit but do not add any color.

It’s worth noting that there are some gins on the market that are actually blue in color. These gins get their hue from the addition of artificial colorings or natural botanicals that lend a blue tint. However, Bombay Sapphire is not one of these gins. It remains a clear gin, allowing the botanical flavors to shine through without any added color.

Bombay Sapphire gin is not blue in color. Despite its name and the blue bottle it is packaged in, the gin itself is a clear, colorless liquid. The association with the word “sapphire” and the color blue is purely symbolic, and the gin gets its name from the popularity of gin in India rather than any connection to the gemstone.