The Botanist

Scottish gin brand

The Botanist is a gin brand produced by the Bruichladdich Distillery on the Islay island of Scotland. It is known for its unique blend of 22 hand-foraged local botanicals, which are combined with nine classic gin botanicals to create a complex and aromatic spirit.

Production

The Botanist Islay Dry Gin bottle

The production of The Botanist gin is a meticulous process that begins with the selection of botanicals. The 22 local botanicals are foraged from the hills, shores, and bogs of Islay, ensuring that each batch of gin captures the essence of the island's diverse flora. These botanicals include heather, bog myrtle, meadowsweet, and gorse, among others.

The base spirit is distilled using a traditional copper pot still, affectionately named "Ugly Betty." This still is a Lomond still, which is a rare type of still that allows for greater control over the distillation process. The botanicals are slowly distilled to extract their essential oils and flavors, resulting in a gin that is both aromatic and smooth.

Flavor Profile

The Botanist gin is renowned for its complex flavor profile. The nose is floral and herbal, with notes of citrus and mint. On the palate, it is rich and mellow, with a harmonious blend of sweet and earthy flavors. The finish is long and clean, with a lingering taste of juniper and spice.

History

The Botanist was first launched in 2011 by the Bruichladdich Distillery, which is known for its innovative approach to whisky production. The distillery was founded in 1881 and has a long history of producing high-quality spirits. The creation of The Botanist gin was part of the distillery's efforts to diversify its product range and explore new markets.

Sustainability

The production of The Botanist gin is guided by principles of sustainability and environmental responsibility. The foraging of botanicals is done in a way that ensures the preservation of Islay's natural habitats. The distillery also employs energy-efficient practices and is committed to reducing its carbon footprint.

Related pages

• Gin
• Bruichladdich Distillery
• Islay
• Scottish whisky