The Bruichladdich Distillery, located on the Isle of Islay in Scotland, is well-known for their Scotch whisky. However, they also produce a unique and delicious gin, The Botanist.

The Botanist starts as a highly refined neutral alcohol spirit, then 22 different botanical components are added for flavoring. These botanicals, including juniper, apple mint, chamomile, creeping thistle, and elderflower, are all sustainably harvested from the Isle of Islay. The process of selecting and harvesting these botanicals takes seven months.

On the nose, The Botanist has the usual juniper and lemon citrus notes, but also has hints of peppermint and spearmint. The taste is floral and herbaceous, with a smooth and delicate feel on the palate. It’s a unique gin that stands out from traditional London Dry gins.

While The Botanist is delicious neat, adding ice can dull the delicate floral and herbal notes. It becomes a more standard gin without the unique qualities that make it special.

Overall, The Botanist is a fantastic gin that showcases the terroir of the Isle of Islay. Its versatility and unique flavor make it a great addition to any home bar.

Botanicals: juniper, apple mint, chamomile, creeping thistle, elderflower, gorse, hawthorn, heather, lemon bal

Pairs Well With:

Being forage-forward, The Botanist deserves a cocktail that’s rich in herbaceous vim, such as a rosemary gin fizz. As for activities, we suggest savoring Botanist at a local forest or verdant park. The spirit’s steeped in its land and deserves a natural atmosphere.