by A premium gin Star of Bombay that is known for its exceptional smoothness and unique flavor profile. It is produced by Bombay Sapphire, a well-known brand in the world of gin.
of Bombay Gin is a variation of the brand’s signature gin, Bombay Sapphire, but with two additional ingredients – bergamot orange and ambrette seeds – on top of the 10 botanicals used in Sapphire.
The addition of bergamot orange peel from Calabria in southern Italy and Ambrette seed from Ecuador gives Star of Bombay Gin a bolder and more complex flavor profile than its predecessor. This result is a gin that is perfect for sipping on its own or for use in a variety of classic gin cocktails.
Star of Bombay Gin is made with a unique blend of twelve botanicals, including dried bergamot orange peel and ambrette seeds, making it a true representation of the quality and craftsmanship of Bombay Sapphire.
Overall, Star of Bombay Gin is a premium gin that is perfect for those who appreciate a complex and well-balanced flavor profile. Its unique blend of botanicals and exceptional smoothness make it a standout choice for both sipping and mixing in cocktails.
History and Heritage
Origin of Star of Bombay
Star of Bombay Gin is a premium gin brand that was launched in 2015 by the Bombay Sapphire distillery. It is a special edition gin that is made using a unique blend of twelve botanicals, including juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root, and orris root.
gin is named after the Star of Bombay, a famous sapphire that was discovered in Sri Lanka and is now part of the British Crown Jewels.
This Star of Bombay Gin is presented in a modern bottle with exquisite detail, which follows a number of gins that have been selling in a similar bottle.
The bottle is designed to reflect the premium quality of the gin. The gin has an ABV of 47.5% and is best served in a regular gin and tonic with a thin orange peel garnish.
Laverstoke Mill
The Bombay Sapphire distillery is located at Laverstoke Mill in the village of Laverstoke, Hampshire, England. Laverstoke Mill has a rich history dating back to the 18th century when it was a paper mill.
In 2010, the site was converted into a state-of-the-art gin distillery. The distillery is faithful to a unique gin-making process and to a recipe that is based on a secret one dating back to 1761.
The distillery is open to the public, and visitors can take a tour of the site to learn about the history of gin and how it is made.
The tour includes a visit to the botanical glasshouses where the gin’s botanicals are grown, and a chance to see the two Carterhead stills, Tom, and Mary, that have been used since the 1830s. Visitors can also see the two state-of-the-art 12,000-liter copper pot stills, Henry, and Victoria, that were added in 2014.
Overall, Star of Bombay Gin is a premium gin brand with a rich history and heritage. The gin is made using a unique blend of botanicals and is named after a famous sapphire. The distillery where the gin is made, Laverstoke Mill, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century and is open to the public for tours.
Production Process
Distillation Techniques
Star of Bombay Gin is produced using a slow distillation process in copper stills. The copper stills are preferred for their ability to retain heat and distribute it evenly, which is essential for creating a consistent flavor profile. The distillation process involves heating the botanicals in the still, which produces vapors that are then condensed into liquid form.
Vapour Infusion Process
The vapour infusion process used in creating Star of Bombay Gin is a unique technique that is slowed down to help increase the level of extraction of gin botanical oils from the Italian bergamot peel and South American ambrette seeds.
The result of this longer distillation is that their ephemeral flavors combine with Bombay Sapphire’s ten classic botanicals, including juniper, coriander, angelica root, almonds, lemon peel, orris root, and grains of paradise.
During the vapour infusion process, the botanicals are placed in a basket suspended above the still. As the still heats up, the botanicals release their essential oils, which are carried up with the vapor and infused into the gin.
The vapour infusion process allows for a more delicate and complex flavor profile, as the botanicals are not subjected to the harsh heat of direct contact with the still.
Overall, the production process of Star of Bombay Gin is a carefully crafted and meticulous process that results in a premium gin with a smooth and rich flavor profile.
Botanical Profile
Star of Bombay gin is a premium gin from the makers of Bombay Sapphire. It is a bolder expression of the signature style of Bombay Sapphire, with two additional botanicals carefully selected and slowly distilled for a more intense flavor.
Signature Botanicals
Star of Bombay gin is made with 12 fine botanicals, including juniper, coriander, lemon peel, orris, angelica, almonds, liquorice, and cassia. In addition to these essential botanicals, Star of Bombay gin also includes two new botanicals: dried bergamot orange peel from the mountains of Calabria in Southern Italy and ambrette seeds from Ecuador.
Flavor Composition
The addition of bergamot orange peel and ambrette seeds gives Star of Bombay gin a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other gins.
The bergamot orange peel adds a subtle citrus note that complements the juniper and other botanicals, while the ambrette seeds provide a sweet, musky flavor that balances the bitterness of the juniper.
Overall, Star of Bombay gin is a complex and well-balanced gin that is perfect for sipping on its own or mixing into cocktails. Its intense flavor profile and premium quality make it a favorite among gin enthusiasts and mixologists alike.
Tasting Notes and Serving Suggestions
Star of Bombay Gin is a premium gin that boasts a complex flavor profile with intense flavors and aromas. Here are some tasting notes and serving suggestions to help you fully appreciate this gin.
Aroma and Palate
Star of Bombay Gin has a loud, highly aromatic nose with coriander and angelica loud and clear just as in standard Bombay Sapphire.
Pine and juniper are evident a bit lower, as crystalline pine needles on an icy morning with a stiff jolt of bitter citrus. On the palate, pine is more prevalent with coriander and strong rooty, earthy and musky notes. Sapphire-like pepper adds to the punchy alcohol spice.
Cocktail Pairings
Star of Bombay Gin is a versatile gin that can be used in a variety of cocktails. First a classic gin and tonic, pair it with a premium tonic water and a slice of grapefruit or lime.
Second a Martini, stir the gin with dry vermouth and garnish with a lemon twist. For a Negroni, mix equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari and garnish with an orange peel.
Star of Bombay Gin is also perfect for contemporary cocktails that require a gin with a more complex flavor profile. Try it in a Bramble & Tonic or a Secret English Garden cocktail.
The floral notes of the gin pair well with fruity and herbal flavors, creating a refreshing and unique cocktail experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price range of Star of Bombay Gin in India and US?
The price of Star of Bombay Gin can vary depending on the location and the store. In India, the price range is around INR 4,000 to INR 5,000 for a 1000 ml bottle. In the US, the price range is around $40 to $50 for the same size bottle.
Has Star of Bombay Gin been discontinued?
No, Star of Bombay Gin has not been discontinued. It is still being produced and sold in various countries, including India and the US.
What are the main differences between Bombay Sapphire and Star of Bombay?
Star of Bombay Gin is a premium gin that is made with a higher percentage of botanicals than Bombay Sapphire. It also contains two additional botanicals, Bergamot orange peel and Ambrette seed, which give it a distinct flavor profile.
Star of Bombay is also bottled at a higher proof than Bombay Sapphire, which makes it stronger in taste and aroma.
Can you describe the flavor profile of Star of Bombay Gin?
Star of Bombay Gin has a complex and layered flavor profile. It has a strong juniper base with notes of coriander, angelica, and cassia bark.
The Bergamot orange peel gives it a citrusy and floral aroma, while the Ambrette seed adds a musky and nutty flavor. It has a smooth and long finish with a hint of spice.
What are some recommended ways to enjoy Star of Bombay Gin?
Star of Bombay Gin is a versatile gin that can be enjoyed in many ways. It can be sipped neat or on the rocks, but it also works well in classic gin cocktails like a Negroni or a Martini. It pairs well with citrus and floral flavors, so it can be mixed with tonic water, grapefruit juice, or elderflower liqueur for a refreshing and aromatic cocktail.
