The Botanist took advantage of the Bruichladdich Distillery warehouse to create its new Islay Cask Matured Gin Range, featuring two new sipping spirits, Rested and Aged.
The Botanist has unveiled The Islay Cask Matured Gin Range, made up of two new sipping gins: The Botanist Islay Cask Rested Gin and The Botanist Islay Cask Aged Gin. Created at Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay, these two new liquids combine the versatility and layered flavor profile that The Botanist’s gin is known for with the depth of the aged spirits that are the distillery’s hallmark.
With access to over 300 cask types across the distillery’s Hebridean warehouses, Head Distiller Adam Hannett was able to look beyond the traditional boundaries of gin with these new spirits, experimenting with wood that has previously held everything from red wine and sherry to American whisky. The ability to work with so many different liquid combinations allowed him to produce two unique bottlings that embody the essence of Islay.
Taking inspiration from the reposado and añejo tequila classification, The Botanist chose to refer to the two new gins as Rested and Aged.
The Botanist Islay Cask Rested Gin is a cuvée of around 16 different cask types from a variety of regions and has been aged in Bruichladdich’s warehouse on Islay for a minimum of six months. The cask influence brings extra viscosity to the palate while a symphony of botanicals combines with the spices of the wood to create a deep mouthfeel. The result appeals to the palate that appreciates the layered complexity of gin as well as the warmth of an aged spirit.
The Botanist Islay Cask Aged Gin is a cuvée of around six different cask types from a variety of regions and has been aged in Bruichladdich’s warehouse for a minimum of three years. With a creamy and viscous mouthfeel, The Botanist Islay Cask Aged Gin opens with sweet, fresh fruit flavors blended with vanilla ice cream and toasted oak. The depth of the casks and the gentle, earthy spices warm the palate while allowing the floral and herbal notes of The Botanist to remain at the heart of the profile.
Both the Cask Rested and Aged gin can be sipped neat like highend whisky or tequila or enjoyed with a cube of ice and an orange twist. The brand also recommends using it for classic gin cocktails such as a Martinez or Negroni.
“The complexity of The Botanist and its unparalleled quality make it a pleasure to experiment with,” said Adam Hannett, Head Distiller, Bruichladdich Distillery. “We have watched and waited to see how the balance of the liquid and the 22 Islay botanicals can be further enhanced by resting in fine quality European and American oak casks. This experiment has been decades in the making, and we’re really pleased with the vibrancy and depth of the new liquids.”
Both bottled at 46% ABV, The Botanist Islay Cask Rested Gin is priced at $49.99 and is available at retail and on-premise in select markets, while The Botanist Islay Cask Aged Gin is exclusive to the on-premise, available in highly limited quantities in select markets. For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
