Main Page | See live article | Alphabetical index

Bombay Sapphire

Bombay Sapphire is a brand of gin. The name hints at the origins of gin's popularity in the British Raj, or occupation of India. During their occupation, the British took quinine in order to protect against malaria in the form of tonic water. This was mixed with gin in order to make a more pleasing and sociable drink of this medical necessity.

In addition to its roots, the brand is distinctive because of the ingredients and distillation process used in the manufacture of the product. The ingredients are unique in that along with the traditional juniper berries, nine other spices and plant extracts are used.

The distillation process used is remarkable because instead of distilling a mixture of the grain spirit and flavouring components as is normal, the spirit is distilled, and the alcohol vapours are passed through bundles of the herbs and spices in order to gain flavour and aroma.