Bombay Sapphire Spins Creativity Toward a Cause

   Considering the current socio-political issues going on in the Unites States right now, Bombay Sapphire has perfectly timed the release of their Artisan Series. This new and dynamic collector's series of decorative bottles came out July 1st, and are exclusively available at Reserve Bar. The exclusivity is due to the fact that these limited edition bottles from Bombay are intended to benefit the Chicago chapter of Black Lives Matter. 

   The artist that was chosen for the bottles is Hebru Brantley. As a well established artist, Brantley's artwork is collected by big name celebrities such as Jay-Z, LeBron James, Lenny Kravitz, George Lucas and more. This marks Bombay Sapphire’s first bottle collaboration with the artist, who the company describes as “one of the preeminent Black creatives at the forefront of culture,” building an international name for himself with both public art and solo shows. Brantley imagined colorful portraits of two of his original characters to decorate the bottle’s rectangular surfaces. Bombay Sapphire notes the vibrant “Afro-futuristic style” of the art that reflects Brantley’s “narrative-driven work.” Brantley’s most recent project, Nevermore Park, transformed his former Chicago-based studio into a fantasy-like immersive pop-up art experience that attracted tens of thousands of visitors from around the world. Continuing to channel his work on new unexpected canvases, the artist has collaborated with Bombay Sapphire to create a design for the iconic gin bottle.

   This is Bombay's first-ever artist-designed bottle in North America. As an extension of Stir Creativity, the global platform from Bombay Sapphire, the new Hebru Brantley Limited Edition bottle embodies the brand’s mission to inspire and awaken creative potential within everyone. Art has historically had the power to awe, inspire and unite people from around the world. Amidst the ongoing issue of bias and inequality in the Black and African-American demographic, Bombay jumped in and immediately witnessed the tragedies taking place. With what seemed a sense of personal verve, Bacardi Limited, who owns Bombay Sapphire Gin, wasted no time in developing a non-profit means of assisting Black people and the cause they fight for.

   “We are honored that our first artist edition is with Hebru Brantley, whose work we have admired and supported for a long time,” said Tom Spaven, North America Brand Director for Bombay Sapphire Gin. “Bombay Sapphire has always been a champion for equal representation in the arts, and it was absolutely essential to us that we make this donation to support the Black community. Art has the power to create change, but this is just a small step. We recognize that we can and will implement more long-term initiatives to champion marginalized voices in the creative arts — a mission that has never been more critical than it is now.”

   Brantley, who originally was introduced to Bombay Sapphire in 2011, was honored to have the opportunity to play such an important role in opening the minds of others by utilizing his talents. “It can be pivotal when an established, global brand like Bombay Sapphire believes and invests in up-and-coming artists early in their careers. My relationship with Bombay Sapphire began with the Artisan Series almost a decade ago, which played a role in jump starting my career,” says Brantley. “Now the relationship has come full circle with my reinterpretation of the iconic Bombay Sapphire bottle, which is an extension of my submission piece for the Artisan Series. When you create something unique like this, you want it to inspire hope for a better future and shine a light on the courage and resilience of Black people in America. It felt only right that Bombay Sapphire and I were able to do this together to benefit Black Lives Matter Chicago, to support the critical work they do in fighting for racial justice in my hometown.”

   The Hebru Brantley Stir Creativity Artistic Limited Edition Series bottles will not be around for long. Typically in the news section of our blogs, we do not promote or advertise any product(s). However, this particular product goes toward a very important cause - perhaps one of the most important movements in the 21st century thus far. I can honestly say that I personally am going to buy a bottle to support the Black Lives Matter movement. I urge you to support the Black Lives Matter movement as well; if not by purchasing Bombay Sapphire, then by simply making a donation to your closest B.L.M. branch. Should you opt to buy Hebru's amazingly designed Bombay Sapphire Gin bottle, we hope you enjoy it! Please remember to drink responsibly; not just for the benefit of others, but for yours too.