The Botanist Distiller's Strength Islay Gin

An exciting and unusual gin from Islay whisky distillery Bruichladdich on Islay, The Botanist is an expression of the island's terroir in botanical form. Its 22 local botanicals and core of nine classic ingredients are distilled in Ugly Betty, a Lomond still saved from Inverleven distillery when it closed, to create a complex and worthily award-winning gin.

The still, Ugly Betty, was designed by Chemical Engineer Alistair Cunningham and Draftsman Arthur Warren in 1955 as a way to create a variety of whisky styles. Key to the design was the thick, column-like neck that could have three extra removable sections inserted for flexibility, imitating the effect of different still neck lengths. One section housed three rectifying plates that increased or decreased the reflux action. The plates, like Roman blinds, could be opened in varying degrees from a horizontal to the vertical position.

Correspondingly, the removable neck sections could lengthen or shorten the height of the neck, thus varying the angle of the lyne arm upward for a slightly lighter spirit, downward for a heavier one. To create The Botanist, the Bruichladdich team created a bespoke botanical basket for it, further adding to the elaborate set up. The Lomond still (the last in existence) may be a bit of a beast, but there's also a charm about this brute and while she may take a while to distil the gin, it is well worth the wait.

The Botanist Distiller’s Strength is a showcase of Bruichladdich Distillery’s long-practiced art of bottling at full strength in the pursuit of exceptional flavour. Botanist's signature 22 hand-foraged botanicals combine to create a gin of flavourful intensity and sumptuous viscosity. Unlock the secret to an unforgettable cocktail with Distiller's Strength.

Style

Dry Gin

Key Botanicals

22 locally foraged botanicals with an overall total of 31: Local juniper berries, apple mint, spearmint, water mint, peppermint, downy birch, chamomile, creeping thistle, elder, gorse flower, heather flower, hawthorn flower, lady's bedstraw, lemon balm, meadowsweet, mugwort, red clover, white clover, sweet cicely, bog myrtle, tansy, thyme, wood sage, cassia bark, angelica root, coriander seeds, cinnamon bark, lemon peel, orange peel, liquorice root, orris root.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Opens on sweet juniper and spices, with citrus freshness. The signature herbal influence of the 22 rises to the fore with delicate mints, sweet gale and wild thyme. Cinnamon, coriander and juniper provide a platform for the delicate, aromatic Islay botanicals to reveal their astonishing depth and clarity.

Palate: Botanical flavours glide across the palate. Warming spices and fragrant juniper give way to sweet citrus. Each sip reveals new botanical combinations, allowing the wonderful depth of flavour and complexity to be uncovered. The delicate herbal notes of the 22 compliment the base of the earthy, spicy juniper-led tones. The distinctive balance of The Botanist Distiller's Strength is further emphasised by the higher strength and velvety texture.

Finish: A long and powerful finish. As the weight of flavour slowly fades, gentle floral notes begin to surface; soft juniper, citrus, water, mint, wood sage and clover. The wild Islay botanicals form a procession of flavours that leave you in mind of our island home as they fade to a memory.

Perfect Serve

This makes a delicious Southside cocktail or Martini.

Premium/Elderflower tonic garnished with a lime wedge and a mint sprig.