Bruichladdich The Botanist Small Batch Islay Dry Gin 100 cl 46%

Bruichladdich The Botanist Small Batch Islay Dry Gin 100 cl 46%

Botanical ingredients are the essence of gin itself. In The Botanist, a total of 9 classic gin components are used, including, among others, Orris root, Cassia bark (akin to cinnamon), and coriander seeds... but this is actually just the starting point! Bruichladdich utilizes an additional 22 wild, hand-picked botanical ingredients from Islay's raw nature - including juniper berries.

Distillery: Bruichladdich
Country: Scotland
Type: Islay Dry Gin
Alc. strength: 46 %
100 cl.
Other: The Botanist - Small Batch

This seasonal and exotic combination is then slowly distilled in the unique and esteemed Lomond Pot still called "Ugly Betty."

Betty operates best at low pressure and doesn't rush, coaxing the precious ingredients to slowly and gently release their complex aromatic impressions.

The result is an exceptionally distinctive, complex, and floral gin with an unparalleled finish and incomparable authentic origin.

Bruichladdich's products are 100% handmade without the use of computers in production. Furthermore, the entire production process, from treating the raw materials to bottling, takes place on the island itself. Quality is always paramount at Bruichladdich, especially when producing gin.

Limited edition

This first release is limited to only 15,000 bottles.

Tasting Notes:
Nose: Clean and creamy aromas with hints of pepper, sweet juniper, and sea salt.
Taste: Bone-dry with plenty of bitterness - creamy with notes of pepper.
The finish is spicy with hints of lemon zest and pears. Exceptionally flavorful.

Alcohol strength:
The Botanist is bottled at 46%, so it's also a reasonably potent gin.

The Botanist is made from a wheat distillate and a total of 31 botanicals, 22 of which are locally sourced on Islay. Part of the base consists of orris root, cassia bark, juniper, coriander seed, and some citrus peels. Among the botanicals are apple mint, bog myrtle, heather, mugwort, birch leaf, hawthorn, creeping thistle, and lady’s bedstraw. None of these 22 are macerated but instead are placed into a basket and distilled through a Carterhead.

The "gin concentrate," as CEO Simon Coughlin describes it, is a rich and robust 88% ABV and is then diluted down with Islay spring water.

The final product has a very thick appearance as it coats the glass. On initial nosing, it presents sweet citrus, coriander, elderflower, juniper, and floral chamomile.

There's an oily texture on the palate, with lemon zest, mint, a rich honey character almost like lanolin. It has a light, dry finish that lingers. Fresh brewed tea and chamomile sit on your palate. The gin really clings to the tail end of your tongue and leaves a lasting impression.

This is undoubtedly one of the best gins I have ever tasted. I actually enjoyed it more at room temperature and would recommend it on the rocks or as a martini. The Botanist is perfection in itself.