Bombay Sapphire Gin Appoints Master Distiller

LONDON, March 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Nik Fordham to oversee Bombay Sapphire gin portfolio at the Bombay Sapphire distillery at Laverstoke Mill

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE®, the world's fastest-growing major gin brand by volume and value^[1], is proud to announce that experienced distiller Nik Fordham has been appointed in the position of Master Distiller. Nik will oversee production for the brand and will lead its unique distillation process at the, currently under construction, Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Laverstoke Mill, Hampshire, England, due to open later this year. In addition to crafting the iconic gin and managing its production team, he will be responsible for the quality assurance for Bombay Sapphire gin, meeting the exacting standards of the brand's well-known flavour profile and consistent quality in each bottle.

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Nik's role will be key to the production of Bombay Sapphire gin and he will personally oversee all stages, including managing the spirits' creation through its unique Vapour Infusion distillation process, the preferred method associated with a recipe based on Thomas Dakin's secret recipe which dates back to 1761. This sophisticated distilling method that once signalled a new era of quality for gin enabled Bombay Sapphire premium gin to showcase the importance of its 10 precious botanicals.

As Master Distiller, Nik Fordham will join Ivano Tonutti, the unique Master of Botanicals for Bombay Sapphire who hand-selects each of the exotic botanicals from locations around the world. Working together, the two will be responsible for producing the tantalizing, smooth and complex taste of Bombay Sapphire gin.

The delicate distillation process of Vapour Infusion differs from the traditional gin distillation methods as rather than boiling the botanicals directly into the spirit, the botanicals are instead held separately from the spirit in perforated copper baskets. When the heated vapours rise, the distinctive flavours of the botanicals are captured by the spirit, resulting in a broader more balanced flavour which gives Bombay Sapphire gin its extraordinary versatility. Even today, Bombay Sapphire gin continues to be made using a Carterhead still purchased by the Dakin family in 1831.

"This is an incredibly exciting opportunity," said Nik Fordham. "To be involved in the establishment of the Bombay Sapphire Distillery at Laverstoke Mill is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I'm looking forward to working with the team to ensure that the values of care, skill and imagination that have made Bombay Sapphire gin famous remain at the very core of the distilling process."

Emma Johansson, Global Marketing Manager at Bombay Sapphire, adds "Nik's extensive experience and fantastic track record makes him the perfect choice as the Master Distiller for the Bombay Sapphire gin portfolio. With the opening of our distillery Laverstoke Mill later this year, Nik's appointment is an exciting opportunity for Bombay Sapphire and he will be a valuable part of the team in driving the re-invigoration of the gin category."

Nik Fordham's role as Master Distiller will complement and add to the quality of Bombay Sapphire gin, as the brand is sold across 120 worldwide markets. Whilst the overall gin market has remained flat in recent years, the popularity of Bombay Sapphire gin continues to grow year-on-year, nearly tripling in size since it was acquired by Bacardi, the largest privately held spirits company in the world.

For further information please contact:

Alex Wilson, for Bombay Sapphire, alex.wilson@hkstrategies.com +44(0)20-7973-5966

About Bombay Sapphire

Bombay Sapphire is the world's second-ranked gin brand according to value^[2]. Based on a secret 1761 recipe, Bombay Sapphire gin is created by perfectly balancing a unique combination of 10 hand-selected exotic botanicals from around the world. The natural flavours of the botanicals are captured through a delicate distillation process called Vapour Infusion which results in the tantalising, smooth and complex taste that is Bombay Sapphire.

Enjoy Bombay Sapphire responsibly. Bombay Sapphire, the Bombay Sapphire bottle design and device are trademarks and/or registered trademarks.

Bombay Sapphire - Infused with imagination

Bombay Sapphire aims to inspire people into expanding their minds, thinking differently to reveal more about themselves and their Imaginations. The team at Bombay Sapphire believes everyone has imagination and therefore aims to give everyone the opportunity to be inspired, and to infuse their imagination with Bombay Sapphire.

[1] Data sourced from International Wine and Spirit Research (IWSR), for the 12 months to the end of December 2011. Major brands are those that feature in the top 5 by volume and value globally.
 
[1-2] Data sourced from International Wine and Spirit Research (IWSR), for the 12 months to the end of December 2011. Major brands are those that feature in the top 5 by volume and value globally.

Full results available on request.

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