Unravelling what’s in your glass of Bombay Sapphire Gin

Mention gin and tonic, what pops up in your head? Most likely it’s going to be Bombay Sapphire, standing tall and proud in its iconic sapphire-blue shaded bottle. While gin was originally made by European monks as a medicinal liquor, it is riding the cocktail waves as an indispensable alcohol beverage in bar mixology, and Bombay Sapphire is no exception. Just what is so special about Bombay Sapphire? We peered through the beautiful glass bottle and slid down the rabbit hole for a gin-venture. 

Iconic looks 

Famous for its mesmerising jewel tone, both the colour and its namesake were inspired by an actual gemstone with a sizeable carat to match, the 182 carat Star of Bombay. Michel Roux, Absolut Vodka's marketing genius, was credited for bestowing Bombay Sapphire's enduring good looks and fabled brand name, originally labelled as Bombay Dry Gin. Another eye catcher has got to be the brand logo. Look out for the stoic Queen Victoria's portrait in the centre, encircled by more faceted sapphires, wearing a giant sapphire necklace and topped with a gold crown. Undoubtedly, no other gin looks anything quite like it. 

With 10 ingredients sourced from across the globe, they are rigorously selected by the master of botanicals, Ivano Tonutti, and they are what gives its signature taste, extracted by a vapour infusion process. 

List of ingredients: 

• Cassia bark from Indo China 
• Coriander seeds from Morocco 

• Angelica root from Saxony 
• Juniper berries and Orris root from Italy 
• Lemon peel and almonds from Spain  
• Cubeb berries from Java 
• Grains of Paradise from West Africa 

• Licorice from China 

Aromatic infusion 

Out of the three common distillation methods, which are steeping, vapor infusion and vacuum distillation. Bombay Sapphire is proudly 100% produced using vapor infusion which allows the botanicals to be suspended in perforated copper baskets during distillation. When the vapours rise, they are gently infused, coaxing the botanicals to release all its aromatic flavours. Check out this quick tour at the Laverstock Mill in Hampshire to find out more. 

Gin with a difference 

From 2022, the botanical ingredients are certified 100% sustainable, the “For Life” certification is awarded by Ecocert S.A., the world's leading specialist in the certification of sustainable practices. It recognises the commitment in a sustainable value chain from the farmer to the distillery. The distillery walks the talk by running on 100% renewable energy, using 100% recyclable glass bottles that are made up of a third of recycled glass, including the metal caps and product labels. Not only drinking Bombay Sapphire makes you happy, it also makes Mother Earth very happy! More cheers to that! 

Variety may be the spice of life, and Bombay Sapphire has 10 other gin varieties for your enjoyment. From a berry flavoured gin like Bombay Bramble to the bolder and intense Star of Bombay, the spirit of innovation is what keeps them going. If you ever run out of ideas to make your own gin based cocktails, the internet is your friendly online bartender. But if you ever run out of gin, God forbid, Cellarbration is your one-stop shop for all your alcohol needs, especially with free next day alcohol delivery, you are spoilt for choice.