Bombay Sapphire

Introduction:

Bombay Sapphire Gin incorporates ten botanicals sourced from various regions around the world. These include liquorice from China, cassia bark from Indo-China, coriander seeds from Morocco, angelica root from Saxony, juniper berries and iris root from Italy, lemon peel and almonds from Spain, grains of paradise from West Africa, and cubeb peppercorns from Java. During the distillation process, these botanicals are placed in a copper aroma basket above the alcohol, allowing their distinct aromas to be released as the alcohol vapor rises. The gin features exotic plants grown in specialized greenhouses at Laverstoke Mill and tended to by an in-house gardener.

In addition to the classic Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin, which is recognizable by its distinctive blue bottle, the distillery also produces the Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru Murcian Lemon. This variation highlights the flavors of fino lemons, mandarins, and sweet navel oranges from sustainable cultivation in Murcia. The Bombay Citron Pressé offers a refreshing and Mediterranean taste with its dominant notes of citrus fruits. Finally, the Bombay Bramble showcases the flavors of freshly harvested blackberries and raspberries.

The Production:

To create Bombay Sapphire Gin, the distillery employs a combination of traditional and modern stills. They have two Carterhead stills named Tom and Mary, dating back to the 1830s, and two contemporary stills named Henry and Victoria, each with a capacity of 12,000 liters. The production team at Laverstoke Mill consists of 14 distillers, led by Master Distiller Dr. Anne Brock.

In an effort to prioritize ecological and sustainable practices, the Bombay Sapphire distillery has implemented various measures. They harness renewable and low-carbon energy through a photovoltaic system and a hydroelectric turbine in the Test River. Heat and hot water are supplied by a biomass boiler that utilizes locally sourced woodchip from sustainable sources. During the construction process, the distillery also prioritized recycling and reusing materials, such as bricks and roof tiles, from previously demolished buildings. These initiatives contribute to the distillery’s commitment to environmentally friendly production methods.

The History:

Bombay Sapphire traces its roots back to 1761 when Thomas Dankin purchased land in Warrington, England, with the intention of distilling gin. In 1831, the Dankin family acquired a still to enhance the distillation process. This marked the introduction of the vapour infusion method, which is still employed by the distillery today. This technique allows the capturing of botanical aromas through steam distillation, separating them from the neutral alcohol.

The Bombay Spirits Company, a subsidiary of Bacardi, currently produces the Bombay Sapphire brand. Since 2014, production has been based at Laverstoke Mill, where the former paper mill underwent restoration. As part of the renovation, a visitor center was constructed, featuring two greenhouses dedicated to nurturing exotic botanicals used in the gin-making process. This location serves as the hub for the brand’s production and offers visitors a glimpse into the craftsmanship behind Bombay Sapphire Gin.

The Visitor Centre:

In addition to guided tours, the distillery also offers Gin cocktail master classes, where participants can learn the basics of bar craft.

Visitor information:

Bombay Sapphire Distillery
Laverstoke Mill
Whitchurch
Hampshire, RG28 7NR
Tel: +44 1256 890090