Bombay Sapphire is the gin that gently led the entire gin category out of its slump. Developed out of Bombay Dry Gin in the 1980s by Michel Roux of Carillon Importers, the driving force behind Absolut Vodka, it’s a sophisticated, premium spirit that has enticed a whole new generation to explore the delights of gin.
It not only tasted different it also looked very different in its stylish blue bottle and striking livery. The name “Sapphire” and the gem that adorns the logo were inspired by the 182-carat “Star of Bombay”” sapphire, discovered in Sri Lanka, and given to silent movie star Mary Pickford by her husband, Douglas Fairbanks Sr.
Even more importantly Bombay Sapphire was the first gin brand in modern times to actually talk about what’s inside the bottle and the flavours derived from specific botanicals. In the 1990s legendary bar guru Dick Bradsell used Bombay Sapphire as the base for a host of innovative gin drinks such as the Bramble inspiring a wave of interest in what had hitherto been seen as an old fashioned spirit. And the rest is history.