Bombay Sapphire
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Bombay-sapphire.jpg
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.
Bombay Sapphire is marketed in a unique flat-sided, sapphire bottle that bears a likeness of Queen Victoria on the label.
Bombay Sapphire is often used as the main ingredient in the martini. As the flavor of the spirit is very complex and distinct, the ratio of gin to vermouth is quite exaggerated as opposed to other martinis (20:1). Bombay Sapphire is best shaken slowly as not to upset the balance of the botanicals.
Bombay Sapphire is sold in three different sizes: 750 ml, 1 litre, 1.75 litre. Smaller airline bottles are also produced.
External Link
Bombay Sapphire Homepage (http://www.bombaysapphire.com/)
Bombay Sapphire is popular among historians since its ingredients come from all corners of the British Empire. Historians prefer a particular mix refered to as an "Imperialist," first coined by Ben Secrist and Ryan Jenkins.