Bombay Sapphire debuts GTR-exclusive gin
Bacardi-owned Bombay Sapphire has released a global travel retail-exclusive gin that celebrates Tuscan juniper.
The new Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru Tuscan Juniper has been made with juniper berries sourced from the hills of Tuscany in Italy. The ripe juniper berries are dried naturally, resulting in a ‘sweet, pine-fresh intensity’ that complements the anise flavour of Tuscan fennel seeds. The gin’s botanicals are vapour infused at the brand’s distillery in Laverstoke Mill, based in Hampshire, UK. The brand claims to have completely sourced its botanicals from sustainable-certified suppliers. Furthermore, no artificial flavours or essences are used, Bacardi said. Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru Tuscan Juniper is recommend served with tonic and a lemon twist, or used as the base for a Martini. According to IWSR data cited by Bacardi, gin is expected to remain the fastest-growing spirits category for the next four years. It is predicted to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2023 to 2026. IWSR data signals that gin’s growth will be led by the super-premium segment, which is forecast to double in the next three years. The premium-and-above segment is projected to represent 45% of the gin category by 2025. “We know that travellers are in constant search for exclusive products and experiences and that there’s a rising number of gin connoisseurs in the market for premium gins who want a sophisticated taste profile,” said Ignacio Vazquez, Bacardi Global Travel Retail's head of marketing. “With its unique Italian flavours, Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru Tuscan Juniper brings gin lovers the opportunity to savour and appreciate the nuances of its pure and multi-layered taste profile. “Our ambition with this latest innovation, is to build on Bombay Sapphire ‘s position as the top-selling premium gin in the channel (IWSR 2021), bringing excitement to the category, delighting travellers, and delivering greater profitability for retailers.” The 47% ABV gin is available from select airports globally, priced at RRP US$55 per one-litre bottle. In February 2023, Bombay Sapphire launched Premier Cru Murcian Lemon gin to honour its long-standing relationships with suppliers and farmers. Last month, Bacardi appointed Alessandro Garneri as its new master of botanicals after the retirement of Ivano Tonutti.