Bombay Sapphire

My first choice in gin

Some years ago [at least ten] I decided to branch out of my Bacardi Rum staple and add a clear alcohol to my mixed drink arsenal. Rum and Coke was my drink of choice almost every time, but I wanted to see what all the fuss about gin was. I was in Vegas and when the drink order was taken, I found myself blurting out “I’ll have a gin and tonic” The restaurant was a bit nicer than your average casual dining type so when I was asked if I had a gin preference, I replied, “What do you suggest?” Bombay Sapphire was recommended. And ever since that day in January, I’ve not looked back [and have rarely ordered a Rum and Coke].

There are two types of Bombay. The Sapphire is in the clear blue bottle, as pictured above. The non-Sapphire version is in a clear bottle. While I’ve picked the standard Bombay a few times, I much prefer the Sapphire for it’s smooth taste and how well it mixes with tonic and a squeeze of lime.

The only major downfall to Sapphire is it’s price. It’s a good 25% more than other gins. But so worth the extra cost for a drink you will enjoy.

Less Is Sometimes Good

Comparable to the Sapphire for this gin guy

Even though I just proclaimed my love for the Sapphire, I do admit that it’s nice to have a more reasonable gin on hand. For those times when you want a good gin when you plan to have multiple drinks. And for that, I have found that New Amsterdam doesn’t disappoint. It’s smooth like Sapphire, but at a good 40% less at most liquor stores [around $26 for a 1.5l vs. $47 for the Bombay Sapphire bottle of the same size]. And to others that appreciate gin, they have all complimented this brand with equal admiration.

Equal choices in my opinion and taste.

Now, I’ll try Tanqueray here and there and it’s really not a bad gin. And I will have Beefeater if it’s a choice between that brand and a generic well gin. But all preferences point towards the above two gins for my regular consumption of adult beverages.

Any particular brand of alcohol that you prefer over others?

I’m thankful for all of my readers that have been patient with me in my scattered blog posting state these past dozen or so weeks.

I’m thankful for having a daughter that loves music, probably more than I do.

I’m thankful for knowing that I’m liked by my wife’s family.

I’m thankful that I can actually go to work each day and make even the smallest difference, even when those above me may wonder what I do some days. [HINT: I've emailed that list to them many times]

I’m thankful for knowing how to make gin and tonics without having to rely on others to do it for me.

I’m thankful to know that 2009 will be ending soon and I can do my best to better manage my distractions to make 2010 a memorable year

I’m thankful for winter time and snow because it gives me a chance to not bitch as much about the cold and snow by continuing to make funny and silly videos.

I’m thankful for 4 solid days off of work, wherein I do my best to do what I want and make some 2010 preparation efforts.

And lastly, I’m thankful that there are people, both in my life now and those that I have known throughout my life, that have shown me love, friendship, the obvious, light, darkness, joy, sadness, logic and a simple form of appreciation.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

“Never fear, alcopop lovers. The state store will be stocking the higher alcoholic content versions (read: a lot more than the 3.2% sold now) of Bacardi Silver, Smirnoff Ice and Tilt for purchase and consumption.”

Well, something happened to change that. Let me go into detail.

The new law [which went into effect October 1, 2008] was designed to remove the temptation from underage drinkers spotting a wine cooler at the grocery store [which is just a clever way for lawmakers and teetotalers to hide their agendas behind the "protecting the children" mantra], while jacking up the prices that they would sell for at the state-run liquor stores. [the real reason for this "ban"]

But something happened after the bill was passed. The companies that make these beverages found a requirement that seemed a bit much. New labels needed to be put on the flavored beverages sold in Utah. These labels needed to state that such flavored alcoholic products contained alcohol. Huh? Come again?

Let’s see if I understand this. Utah tells grocers they cannot sell Smirnoff Ice and Bacardi Silver anymore. Utah then says these drinks will be available at their state-run liquor stores, which sell only products containing alcohol. Yet, they need a label stating these beverages “contain alcohol” for what reason? Once again, those who do not drink or who have never drank should not be making the laws concerning alcohol.

So out of the top three brands: Tilt, Bacardi Silver and Smirnoff Ice, only Smirnoff Ice complied enough with new labels so they could sell their product at the state liquor stores. They are the higher alcoholic content versions other states like Nevada and California sell. But their price went up. A lot. A six-pack of Smirnoff Ice went for $7.99 at the grocers. Now it’s $12.21 at the state store, which makes it about $2 a bottle. During my last visit to another state that sells Smirnoff Ice, the exact same six-pack sells for $6.99 at the grocery store. That’s an 85% markup. Ouch.

The company that produces Bacardi Silver [Anheuser-Busch] told Utah they would most likely not be selling their product here in the state due to the new label requirements. And Tilt, also produced by Anheuser-Busch, is not here, even though the label on the cans I purchased outside of Utah do clearly state they contain alcohol.

What part of “Contains Alcohol” is not clear?

What’s Available Then?

Ok, now I’m sure some of you may be asking, “Is there still alcohol left to buy there in Utah?” Sure there is. The grocery stores still sell 3.2% and 4.0% beer, some of the brands being flavored [the flavoring has to be part of the brewing process, like with Bud Light Lime], and the state-run liquor stores sell hard alcohol like vodka, rum, gin, wine and tequila. These choices are plentiful for any adult who wishes to imbibe. But my main complaint regarding the banning and new requirements for the flavored alcoholic beverages seems odd, especially when you consider you can get much harder alcohols without much trouble.

For fans of Smirnoff Ice or Bacardi Silver, you either need to pay the increased cost at the Utah state liquor store or take a 2 hour drive either east or west of Utah to get your wine cooler fix.

To see the details, here’s a news article from October 2008 that explains the basic changes: Utah first in nation to ban flavored beers