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Bombay Sapphire Recalls Super-Strength Gin

By George Khoury, Esq. on May 08, 2017 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

For those that drink Bombay Sapphire gin, whether socially, recreationally, or professionally, a recent recall prompted by the company is bound to raise some flummoxed eyebrows. Apparently, one unhappy customer and gin connoisseur noticed that his bottle of gin did not meet his expectations (which clearly were not to get drunk quickly and cheaply) and he contacted the company to let them know.

What happened next probably isn't going to shock you as you probably could've guessed based on the title: it was discovered that Bombay Sapphire had inadvertently messed up the mixture on a small batch of bottles. Rather than the usual 40 percent alcohol content, the special mis-mixed batch came out at an ultra-flammable 77 percent alcohol, or 154 proof.

#1 Question: How Can You Get a Bottle?

Currently, there is no way to get one of these rare, accidentally produced bottles. Reportedly, there may still be upwards of around 1,000 bottles in the wild, out of the 6,000 bottles produced. The liquor stores in Ontario, Canada have reportedly removed all the bottles from the shelves due to the recall. Additionally, it is worth noting that the company, as well as Canada's liquor control organization, is warning against drinking the super-strength gin because of its super-strength. While 77% alcohol is very strong, there are other spirits on the market at that level and above even. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, the mis-mixed, super-strength gin never made it to the US.

If you've purchased a bottle of Bombay Sapphire from the Ontario, Canada area recently, you may want to check your lot number. If you find the code "L16304 W" then you got yourself a winner. Get yourself a glass, some ice, a bottle of tonic, and a lime. The manufacturer and Canadian liquor control recommends discarding it, or returning it to the store of purchase. Apart from the mislabeling of the product, and the risks associated with drinking high proof liquor, it is otherwise safe, and there have been no reported injuries.

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