Bombay Sapphire revives old mill

An old English paper mill, referenced as far back as the Domesday Book, is set to become one of the world’s most sustainable distilleries. The Bombay Sapphire site in Laverstoke, Hampshire, has just won the world’s first ‘outstanding’ design-stage Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) sustainability award. 

 

Will Brix, estate manager, Bombay Sapphire told Ethical Performance: “The new distillery is a huge opportunity to boost our sustainability and part of the brand’s ethos as the most imaginative gin in the world.” 

 

For 200 years, the site produced high quality paper for the bank notes of India and the British Empire. 

 

The most difficult part of the ethical refurb was the unknowns, explained Brix: “When you’re redeveloping a mill that’s been mentioned in the Domesday Book, you uncover quite a lot of things that aren’t noted on building plans.” And of course, dealing with unknowns makes it difficult to put plans into time frames. The facility will be opening later this year, but Brix can’t exactly say when, though it is hoped by the autumn.  

 

The use of a bio-fuelled steam-generating boiler and 6kW hydro-electric water wheel, which will power the adjacent Visitor Centre, are also highlights, says Brix.

 

The completed distillery will see a 60% reduction in carbon emissions and nearly an 85% improvement over what is required by building regulations. 

 

Bombay Sapphire – the number one selling premium gin worldwide - is currently distilled by a third party in Warrington. Once operational, the Laverstoke distillery will be the sole producer of Bombay Sapphire and is expected to produce 2m 9-litre cases a year to supply the global market. 

 

*Bombay Sapphire is part of the Barcardi Group which itself has recently published impressive figures. It says it has cut water usage by nearly 50 per cent and reduced energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 33 per cent over the past 6 years.