Bombay Sapphire

Bombay Sapphire

Bottles of Bombay Sapphire gin

Bombay Sapphire is a brand of gin that is known for its distinctive blue bottle and complex flavor profile. It is produced by the Bacardi company and is one of the most popular premium gins in the world. The gin is named after the Star of Bombay, a 182-carat sapphire from Sri Lanka, and the imagery of the brand reflects the exotic and luxurious nature of its namesake.

History

Bombay Sapphire was first launched in 1986 by English wine merchant IDV (International Distillers & Vintners). The brand was created to appeal to a more sophisticated market, with a focus on quality and craftsmanship. The recipe for Bombay Sapphire is based on a secret formula that dates back to 1761, which was originally created by Thomas Dakin, a pioneer in the gin industry.

Production

The Bombay Sapphire distillery at Laverstoke Mill

Bombay Sapphire is produced using a unique vapor infusion process. Unlike many gins that boil their botanicals directly in the spirit, Bombay Sapphire's botanicals are placed in perforated copper baskets. As the spirit vapor passes through these baskets, it absorbs the aromatic flavors of the botanicals. This method is said to create a more balanced and refined gin.

The gin is distilled at the Laverstoke Mill in Hampshire, England, a historic site that has been transformed into a state-of-the-art distillery. The distillery is also a visitor attraction, offering tours and experiences that showcase the art of gin making.

Botanicals

Bombay Sapphire is renowned for its complex blend of ten botanicals sourced from around the world. These include juniper berries from Italy, lemon peel from Spain, coriander from Morocco, angelica from Saxony, orris root from Italy, almonds from Spain, cassia bark from Indochina, cubeb berries from Java, grains of paradise from West Africa, and liquorice from China.

Design

Thomas Heatherwick's glasshouses at the distillery

The iconic blue bottle of Bombay Sapphire is instantly recognizable and has become a symbol of premium gin. The design of the bottle is inspired by the Art Deco movement, with clean lines and elegant typography. The brand has also collaborated with renowned designers, such as Thomas Heatherwick, who designed the striking glasshouses at the Laverstoke Mill distillery.

Cocktails

Bombay Sapphire is a versatile gin that is used in a variety of classic and contemporary cocktails. It is particularly well-suited for a gin and tonic, where its botanical flavors are complemented by the bitterness of tonic water. Other popular cocktails include the Martini, Negroni, and Tom Collins.

Related Pages

• Gin
• Bacardi
• Laverstoke Mill
• Thomas Dakin