Founder(s): International Distillers & Vintners
Inception Date: 1986
ABV: 47%
Age: Unaged
Region of Origin: United Kingdom
Bombay Sapphire gin was first launched in 1986 by English wine-merchant International Distillers & Vintners. Its name originates from the popularity of gin in India during the British Raj. “Sapphire” refers to the violet-blue Star of Bombay which was mined from Sri Lanka and is now on display at the Smithsonian Institution. Queen Victoria is pictured on the front of the bottle.
A vibrant aroma features lemon, coriander, and earthy root notes along with plenty of juniper. The palate is quite dry, and coriander seeps through on an otherwise hermetic finish.
Gin is a neutral grain based distilled alcoholic beverage that derives its predominant flavours from juniper berry. It originated as a medicinal liquor made by monks and alchemists across Europe, particularly in southern France, Flanders and the Netherlands. Gin emerged in England after the introduction of “jenever,” a Dutch and Belgian liquor distilled from malt wine. Jenever was historically referred to as “Dutch Courage” and was consumed before battle for its “calming effects.”