I HAVE to admit I am not a big fan of gin so I was unsure of what I would think of the new Bombay Sapphire Distillery at Laverstoke Mill.

As I arrived, I could instantly see that Bombay Sapphire had done a fantastic job of preserving the character of the former paper mill buildings during the multi-million-pound transformation project.

Seeing how the many people involved in the project had opened up the River Test to flow back through the site, and spotting the image of the iconic Queen Victoria and Sapphire in a brick mural, it was also clear to see that they have worked hard to ensure that Bombay Sapphire’s UK home is as iconic as the gin.

I joined a small group of around 15 people on the tour of the distillery, starting off at the Laverstoke Mill heritage room – a room that showcased the rich history of the former paper mill.

We were then handed a personal interactive map which could be used to “check in” at locations around the distillery in order to listen to audio clips and read information about the spirit.

As we made our way out to the tour on a glorious sunny day, myself and fellow visitors were struck by the beauty of the spectacular glasshouses made by designer Thomas Heatherwick as the sun hit the 790 unique pieces of glass.

As I made my way into the glasshouses – one has a Mediterranean climate and the other is home to a tropical climate – the high temperatures transported me to the warm climate of Spain where the lemons used in the gin are grown.

And the sense of amazement and wonder didn’t stop there as we were led to the botanical dry room where we got to smell, and even feel, all of the different ingredients that make up the iconic gin, including juniper, liquorice and lemon peel.

It is in this room where the fun really started and the experience became personal as the interactive map included an aroma map made specifically for this room.

With 22 different aroma groups in five categories – pine, spicy, earthy/woody, floral and citrus – we had the chance to make the perfect Bombay Sapphire-inspired drink.

Visitors also get an insight into how the spirit is made as distillery hosts, armed with information, talked us through the distillation process.

Once we had learned how the gin was made, we were directed into the most beautiful Bombay Sapphire-inspired room where there is a range of ornate glasses designed by the many winners of the Bombay Sapphire Designer Glass Competition.

And, as the tour neared the end, we finally had a chance to have a taste of the finished product at the Mill Bar with trained bartenders mixing up a range of cocktails including the “Ultimate Gin and Tonic” and “The Laverstoke”. The good news for those who have to drive is that non-alcoholic options are available.

The final port of call was the “Gin Shop”, which stocks a range of items including limited edition Bombay Sapphire bottles, glasses, stirrers and cocktail books.

I left thinking what a lovely time I had experienced in the wonderful setting of Laverstoke Mill – and not only was it an enjoyable experience, it was also an educational one.