LAVERSTOKE MILL

Laverstoke Mill is recorded as far back as the 1086 Doomsday Book, in which a mill is noted on the site. Laverstoke Mill has been under the ownership of William the Conqueror, Henry VIII and enjoyed four royal visits, most recently Queen Elizabeth in 1962 and is a beautiful and historic building.

Bombay Sapphire’s heritage begins in 1761 when distiller Thomas Dakin invested a site in Warrington, England, with the objective of distilling gin. In 1831, the Dakin family purchased a still, and adapted it to separate the exotic botanicals from the neutral grain spirit, capturing the flavours of the botanicals in the vapour – an artisanal distillation process now known as Vapour Infusion, and still devotedly used by Bombay Sapphire today.

ARCHITECHTURE

A crystal clear river surrounds the stunning architecture, designed by Thomas Heatherwick. The two sculptured greenhouses are attached to the historical Laverstoke Mill, situated in the rural town of Hampshire.

In their entirety the glasshouses are made from more than ten thousand bespoke components and are the home of Bombay Sapphire’s Mediterranean and tropical botanicals: both in which require different growing conditions. These growing conditions are perfected by recycling the spare heat from the machinery.

BOTANICAL DRY ROOM

The Botanical Dry Room has the best possible view of the two Heritage Stills through the floor to ceiling windows in the adjacent Still House. The distillery showcases the care, skill and artistry behind every drop of Bombay Sapphire, and allows you to discover the flavours of the botanicals which make Bombay Sapphire gin so unique.

If you are interested in historical architecture, sculptured architecture, natural environments or simply love your gin, this is a brilliant experience and highly recommended. After choosing my personal favourite botanicals, Bombay Sapphire kindly created a memorable gin cocktail:

‘The Laverstoke’- Bombay Sapphire with Martini Bianco, Bottlegreen elderflower cordial, lime wedges then topped it off with Fever-Tree ginger ale.