Bombay Sapphire appoints Beefeater man as master distiller

Bombay Sapphire has appointed Beefeater’s former distillery manager as master distiller ahead of the opening of its new Laverstoke Mill distillery later this year.

Nik Fordham, who spent around five years at the Chivas Brothers distillery in London, will work alongside master of botanicals Ivano Tonutti to oversee production of the brand and lead the distillation process.

Emma Johansson, global marketing manager at Bombay Sapphire, said: “Nik’s extensive experience and fantastic track record makes him the perfect choice as the master distiller for the Bombay Sapphire gin portfolio. With the opening of our distillery Laverstoke Mill later this year, Nik’s appointment is an exciting opportunity for Bombay Sapphire and he will be a valuable part of the team in driving the re-invigoration of the gin category.”

Prior to his position at Beefeater, Fordham worked at Unilever’s production arm as a research and development scientist. In 2010 he gained a diploma in distilling, going on to achieve the Worshipful Company of Distillers scholarship in the following year.

“This is an incredibly exciting opportunity,” he said. “To be involved in the establishment of the Bombay Sapphire Distillery at Laverstoke Mill is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m looking forward to working with the team to ensure that the values of care, skill and imagination that have made Bombay Sapphire gin famous remain at the very core of the distilling process.”

The Laverstoke Mill distillery in Hampshire is due to open later this year.