Bombay Sapphire Distillery | Laverstoke Mill

If you're a longterm reader of A Glass Of Ice, you'll know I'm not much of a drinker besides to mark special occasions and general moments of celebration.  However, I'll make the exception for the Bombay Sapphire Distillery.  Nestled in Hampshire within Laverstoke Mill, the distillery showcases the 'care, skill and artistry' behind the world-famous brand of Bombay Sapphire Gin.  But before we get into the history of the brand (and believe me, it's pretty fascinating), I'll come clean about just why I made the journey there to sample their Tour and Tasting day experience.  The glasshouses.  I know, I know... but the obsession is still very much there and it's grown stronger than ever before thanks to seeing this elegant twin structure first hand.

Ugh, be still my beating heart.  Not one but two glasshouses?  Yes pleaaaase.  The twin glasshouses sit at the heart of the two hour self-guided tour, and grow examples of the ten botanical ingredients found in Bombay Sapphire's gin.  Interestingly, they haven't changed the way in which they make their gin since 1987, a gin recipe crafted by in 1761 by Thomas Dakin.  Just... don't bother asking for the intricacies because their exact recipe for the 'world'd best gin' is a very closely guarded secret!  Ooh.

Photography isn't allowed around the distillation equipment for health and safety reasons.  Although having said that, I can't say whipping out my camera had crossed my mind throughout this guided part of the tour anyway; the mass of information is fascinating.  Also, you will laugh.  A lot.  Alright, onto my favourite part of the two-hour experience (uh, besides oggling the glasshouses) - creating a personalised gin!  A bright and airy room at Laverstoke Mill is home to a room full of ingredients.  Lifting each lid, a strong scent is revealed and with each one being very different from the next.  Using a hole punch, you mark your fave scents (ie. the ones that don't make your eyes water in disgust) on your gin card and hand it in at the end of the two hour self-guided tour.  And then, ladies and gents... the mixologists create the 'perfect' gin for you!  Ta-dah!

I really love the self-guided structure of the tour - albeit with Bombay Sapphire tour guides stepping in when necessary to talk each group through particular points of interest.  This allows you to absorb the facts and figures at your own pace, and also duck out every few moments to take a photo or two!

So, there we have it.  The ultimate day out at a distillery via someone who doesn't really drink very often!  Now you've seen it all.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on this kind of experience; have you ever visited a distillery before?  Let me know in the comments below!

Bombay Sapphire Distillery
Laverstoke Mill
London Road
Whitchurch
RG28 7NR

With love,

Gabrielle x