Bombay Sapphire is a brand of gin launched in 1986/87. It is based on one of the earliest recipes for London Dry gin. The name “Bombay” gives a nod to the popularity of gin in India during the British Raj; "Sapphire" refers to the violet-blue “Star of Bombay“ star sapphire which was mined from Sri Lanka (now on display at the Smithsonian Institution). The liquor itself is clear, but is sold in a blue glass bottle with a picture of Queen Victoria on the label. Why Victoria? Since Bombay Sapphire is a “London” dry gin and originated in England, the Queen’s image serves as a “tip of the cap” to the gin’s British heritage.

Although Her Majesty’s presence suggests a long and illustrious history for the popular gin (perhaps hinting at consumption in the palace?) the fact is, it’s a marketing ploy. Queen Victoria ruled England from 1837 until her death in January of 1901; the gin hit the market in the late 1980s. Do the math.

Bombay Sapphire helped usher in a new era of “botanical“ gins. The company is proud that nothing artificial is added to the product; the flavor is derived from ten natural ingredients: almond, lemon peel, liquorice, juniper berries, orris root, angelica, coriander, cassia, cubeb, and grains of paradise.

In 2011 the Bombay Sapphire distillery was moved to Laverstoke Mill in rural Hampshire, England. It is open to the public, although tours must be pre-booked. The location of the distillery may have changed, but Queen Victoria still reigns over every bottle.

More Info: en.m.wikipedia.org