13/05/2018
Bombay Sapphire: More Than Just a Gin
Bombay Sapphire is a name synonymous with premium gin, recognised globally for its distinctive blue bottle and complex flavour profile. But what exactly is Bombay Sapphire, and what sets it apart in the crowded spirits market? This article delves into the fascinating production, varied expressions, and influential design connections of this beloved gin, offering a comprehensive look for both seasoned connoisseurs and curious newcomers.
The Journey of Production: From Cheshire to Hampshire and Beyond
The story of Bombay Sapphire's production is one of evolution and relocation. Until 2013, the brand's manufacturing and bottling were handled by G&J Greenall in Warrington, Cheshire. However, a significant shift occurred when Bacardi announced plans to move the entire manufacturing process to a new, state-of-the-art facility at Laverstoke Mill in Hampshire. This ambitious project involved the meticulous restoration of the former Portal's paper mill, transforming it into a modern gin production hub complete with a dedicated visitor centre.
The move wasn't just about a change of scenery; it was about enhancing the production process. The new Hampshire site featured innovative glasshouses, designed by the acclaimed Thomas Heatherwick, specifically to house and cultivate the botanicals that give Bombay Sapphire its unique character. These glasshouses are a testament to the brand's commitment to quality and the importance of its botanical ingredients. As part of this transition, two of Greenall's original stills were carefully moved from Warrington to Laverstoke, ensuring the continuity of the distillation process.
Interestingly, while production shifted to Hampshire, the bottling process initially remained contracted out to G&J Greenall in Warrington. The undiluted gin was transported to Cheshire for dilution and bottling. However, this arrangement has since evolved, with bottling operations now taking place in Glasgow, Scotland, further consolidating the brand's production footprint within the United Kingdom.
A Spectrum of Flavours: Exploring Bombay Varieties
Bombay Sapphire is not a one-size-fits-all gin. The brand offers a range of varieties, each with its own distinct character and flavour nuances, catering to a diverse palate:
Bombay Original London Dry Gin
Often simply referred to as Bombay Original Dry, this is the foundational expression. It utilises eight botanical ingredients, a slightly more restrained selection compared to Bombay Sapphire. Wine Enthusiast magazine has, in fact, expressed a preference for this original variety, highlighting its classic London Dry profile.
Bombay Sapphire East
Launched in 2011, Bombay Sapphire East was crafted with a specific intention: to complement the sweetness often found in tonic water. It builds upon the original ten botanicals by adding two more: lemongrass and black peppercorns. Bottled at 42% ABV, it offers a slightly more robust and invigorating taste, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a gin with a bit more spice and citrus.
Star of Bombay
First introduced in 2015 for the UK market, Star of Bombay is a premium offering bottled at a higher 47.5% ABV. Distilled from grain, it features two additional botanicals – bergamot and ambrette seeds – which harmonise beautifully with the signature Bombay botanicals. This sophisticated expression has since been rolled out to various international markets, appealing to those who appreciate a more complex and aromatic gin.
Bombay Bramble
A more recent addition, Bombay Bramble, is a vibrant gin infused with the natural flavours of blackberries and raspberries. Bottled at 37.5% ABV, it offers a delightful fruity twist on the classic Bombay profile, perfect for those who enjoy a touch of berry sweetness in their G&T or cocktails.
Bombay Sapphire English Estate (Limited Edition)
Released in the summer of 2019 as a limited edition, Bombay Sapphire English Estate celebrated English provenance. It featured three additional botanicals sourced from England: Pennyroyal Mint, rosehip, and hazelnut. Bottled at 41% ABV, this special edition offered a unique, seasonally inspired taste of the English countryside.
Design Excellence: The Bombay Sapphire Connection
Beyond its liquid artistry, Bombay Sapphire has carved a significant niche in the design world, fostering a strong connection between gin and contemporary design. This collaboration began with a series of advertisements showcasing the work of prominent designers. These featured a diverse range of items, from martini glasses to fabric patterns, all labelled as "Inspired by Bombay Sapphire." The campaign highlighted the talents of designers like Marcel Wanders, Yves Béhar, and Karim Rashid, as well as performance artist Jurgen Hahn.
Building on the success of this initial campaign, the brand expanded its engagement with the design community through events and sponsorships. The most notable of these is the annual Bombay Sapphire Designer Glass Competition. This global contest invites design students to create their own unique martini cocktail glasses, inspired by the gin. Finalists from participating countries are invited to Salone del Mobile, a prestigious international design fair in Milan, where the ultimate winner is chosen. This initiative not only promotes emerging talent but also reinforces the brand's association with creativity and sophisticated aesthetics.
Furthermore, Bombay Sapphire actively supports glass artists and designers through the Bombay Sapphire Prize, an annual award recognising outstanding design featuring glass. The brand also showcases these designers' creations in the "Bombay Sapphire endorsed blue room," a travelling design exhibition that tours the world. From 2008 onwards, the Designer Glass Competition finals have been held at 100% Design in London, while the Bombay Sapphire Prize takes place in Milan at the Salone del Mobile, cementing these events as key fixtures in the design calendar.
Expert Evaluations and Critical Acclaim
Bombay Sapphire has consistently received positive reviews from various spirits rating organisations. The Beverage Testing Institute, for instance, awarded it a score of 92 out of 100, underscoring its quality and appeal. Ratings aggregator Proof66.com places Sapphire in its Tier 2 category, indicating a strong consensus of highly favourable expert reviews. This consistent acclaim speaks to the meticulous production and carefully balanced botanical recipe that defines Bombay Sapphire.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bombay Sapphire
What are the 10 botanicals in Bombay Sapphire?
The ten botanicals used in Bombay Sapphire are: Juniper, Coriander, Lemon Peel, Liquorice, Almonds, Angelica, Cinnamon, Cassia, Orris, and Grains of Paradise.
What is the difference between Bombay Sapphire and Bombay Original Dry?
Bombay Sapphire uses ten botanicals and is known for its vapour infusion distillation process. Bombay Original Dry uses eight botanicals and follows a more traditional gin distillation method.
What is the ABV of Bombay Sapphire?
Bombay Sapphire is typically bottled at 40% ABV in most markets, though this can vary slightly by region.
Where is Bombay Sapphire produced?
Bombay Sapphire is produced at Laverstoke Mill in Hampshire, England.
What makes Bombay Sapphire's design so recognisable?
The iconic sapphire-blue bottle is instantly recognisable. The brand also has strong ties to the design world, with collaborations and competitions that celebrate design innovation.
In conclusion, Bombay Sapphire is a gin that masterfully blends tradition with innovation. From its carefully selected botanicals and unique vapour infusion distillation process to its celebrated design collaborations and diverse range of expressions, it offers a premium experience for any gin enthusiast. Whether enjoyed in a classic G&T or a sophisticated cocktail, Bombay Sapphire continues to be a distinguished choice in the world of spirits.
If you want to read more articles similar to Bombay Sapphire: A Gin Lover's Guide, you can visit the Taxis category.