The Botanist Islay Dry Gin is created at the Bruichladdich distillery. This superb Islay gin was distilled in the 'ugly betty' still described as "an oversized upside-down dustbin made of copper" by Tom Morton. It has perhaps the best looking packaging we've ever seen for a gin. It's not all style and no substance either. Botanist is a world-class gin set at a proper ABV.
A huge 31 botanicals go into The Botanist, 22 of which are foraged and native to Islay. The full list of botanicals 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. Phew!
Enough botanicals to make us wish we had five noses. Big notes of citrus, delicate menthol and flowers everywhere!
Cool at first. It quickly mellows out, warmth growing with citrus keeping it fresh throughout.
Long, with a good spice.
Islay isn't just about the whisky anymore. The Botanist Gin is top-notch.


I tasted a lot, this is what i was looking for all along. When you think about it a bit it's not surprising since it's made by The Bruichladdich crew.
I am so glad that I was introduced to this gin. It was served with a slice of lime, some mint and a superior tonic. It is just the best I have ever tasted ( and I have tasted a few!) So wonderful, well done to the Brewers.
I tried this first at a very fancy restaurant in town, simply because I know the buyer and he said it was amazing. I've never ever been a Gin person; the Botanist cured me of that very quickly. It has so much more of the botanical herb taste, and it is never overpowering. I don't quite know how they managed it but it extremely balanced. In my opinion everyone should try this at least once, even if you're not a gin drinker. It's Amazing.
Can't say much more really. tastes great on its own but also combines into the best g&t ever
Good friends have patiently introduced me to the World of Gin over the last year or so. My eyes have been opened by the richness of new small batch distiller gins. I was bought a bottle of The Botanist this weekend as a special thank you. It is sooooo good. It is a sheer delight to drink. It offers so much but is such a clean drink. I better save some for the friends who started me on this new journey! It will be tough.