We first stumbled across The Botanist while tasting Scottish Gins with Scottish smoked salmon at various bars and restaurants across Edinburgh. Since then, the Bruichladdich Distillery made spirit has become one of the most beloved Gins in the world, quickly spreading across bar menus and home setups. It’s unique mix of botanicals has made it one of the most recognizable brands on the planet, and we’re just happy that it’s now widely available Stateside.
Created by Bruichladdich distillery in Islay, Scotland, The Botanist was on the forefront of Gin’s terroir movement. In the wine world, terroir is the subject of much discussion. Some believe in it and others don’t, we, however, do, and The Botanist is able to express Islay’s distinct topography and climate through the Gin’s various botanicals. Islay is primarily known for its peaty Scotch such as Lagavulin and Laphroaig, and The Botanist is one of only two Gins made on the island. The idea seems to be that from a place known for world class Whisky can also produce world class Gin, and we are inclined to agree.
In total, 31 botanicals go into The Botanist, including 22 of which are professionally forged in Islay. The full list is as follows: angelica root, apple mint, birch leaves, bog myrtle leaves, cassia bark, chamomile, cinnamon bark, coriander seed, creeping thistle flowers, elder flowers, gorse flowers, heather flowers, hawthorn flowers, juniper berries, lady’s bedstraw flowers, lemon balm, lemon peel, liquorice root, meadow sweet, orange peel, oris root, peppermint leaves, mugwort leaves, red clover flowers, tansy, thyme leaves, water mint leaves, white clover, wood sage leaves.
On the nose, notes of citrus mix with floral and menthol. The palate is warm and calm with more bursts of citrus and spice along with round herbs. The finish is long with a nice amount of fire and spice.
Cocktails:
- Smoke & Roses
- Mint Seventy Five
- Rosemary Sour
- Elderflower Collins
- Wild Rose Sours
- Chamomile Collins
- One Day In Islay
- Gibson Mcpickle
