Which british royal is pictured on bottles of bombay sapphire gin?

Question: Which british royal is pictured on bottles of bombay sapphire gin?

If you are a fan of gin, you might have noticed that some bottles of Bombay Sapphire have a portrait of a British royal on the label. But do you know who this person is and why he is associated with this brand of gin?

The royal in question is King Charles II, who reigned from 1660 to 1685. He is considered to be the founder of the Royal Society, a prestigious scientific institution that still exists today. He was also a patron of arts and culture, and enjoyed a lavish lifestyle.

One of his hobbies was collecting exotic plants and spices from around the world. He had a special interest in juniper berries, which are the main ingredient of gin. He even commissioned a botanical garden in London, where he grew juniper trees and other plants.

But why is he on the label of Bombay Sapphire? The answer lies in the history of gin production and consumption in Britain. Gin was originally introduced by Dutch traders in the 17th century, and became very popular among the lower classes. It was cheap, easy to make, and had a high alcohol content. However, it also caused many social problems, such as drunkenness, crime, and poverty.

To curb the gin craze, the government imposed heavy taxes and regulations on gin production and sale. This led to the rise of illegal gin distilleries and smugglers, who often adulterated their product with toxic substances. As a result, many people died or became blind from drinking bad gin.

King Charles II wanted to improve the quality and reputation of gin in Britain. He granted a royal charter to the Worshipful Company of Distillers, a guild of gin makers who had to follow strict standards and recipes. He also encouraged the use of exotic botanicals and spices to flavor gin, such as coriander, lemon peel, angelica, and orris root. These ingredients are still used in Bombay Sapphire today.

The portrait of King Charles II on the label of Bombay Sapphire is a tribute to his role in the history and evolution of gin. It also reflects the brand's commitment to quality and innovation. Bombay Sapphire is distilled using a unique vapor infusion process, which extracts the flavors and aromas of the botanicals without boiling them. This results in a smooth, balanced, and refreshing gin that can be enjoyed in various cocktails or on its own.