In 1994 the remote Islay distillery closed for what could have been the last time but fortune favours the brave and in 2000 a consortium led by Mark Renyier and Simon Coughlin purchased the derelict buildings and remaining stock.
Persuading the world-renowned distiller Jim McEwan to join them on their adventure at the time, the distillery reopened its doors in 2001.
From this rebirth, the progressive Hebridean distillers have continued to push the envelope and in 2010 created the Botanist Gin to add to their crafted range of spirits. After a long reign in charge of production, Adam Hannett took over from Jim in 2015.
Distilled in a Lomond pot still affectionately known as ‘Ugly Betty’, The Botanist features 22 hand-foraged local botanicals, which delicately augment nine berries, barks, seeds and peels. A slow simmer distillation allows the delicate botanicals to release their complex, signature aromatics. The result; a highly distinctive, floral gin with outstanding finish and impeccable provenance. This Islay Dry Gin is a rare expression of the heart and soul of its remote Scottish island home.
Key Botanical(s): Creeping Thistle, Elder Flower, Meadowsweet
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 46% vol
Goes great with: A sprig of rosemary, tonic and ice.
Every bottle of this limited design Plant Conservation Edition Gin will contribute to urgent projects saving rare and endangered plant species worldwide. Featuring the same liquid as The Botanist Islay Dry Gin, this limited edition pack will raise money for Botanic Gardens Conservation International, a charitable organisation delivering meaningful plant conservation and biodiversity work all over the world. This exclusive edition is only available to buy directly from the distillery on Islay and each bottle will be sent in 100% plastic-free Flexi-Hex design packaging.
Key Botanical(s): Creeping Thistle, Elder Flower, Meadowsweet
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 46% vol
Goes great with: A sprig of rosemary, tonic and ice.
The Botanist Islay Dry Hebridean Strength Gin is an exclusive travel release. It is the classic The Botanist Islay Dry Gin captured at the higher ‘Hebridean Strength’ 51.5% ABV strength. The result is a bolder, more complex, more viscous expression of the original. On the nose, bold juniper, aromatic and rich cassia and coriander, and a burst of fresh citrus before herbaceous notes come through. On the palate, the mouthfeel is soft and velvety with intense juniper, citrus, spice and green herbaceous, with a mint freshness that changes with each sip. The finish is long and lingers, with some warming spice and aromatics, before transitioning to light, delicate florals.
Key Botanical(s): Juniper, Water Mint, Wood Sage
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 51.5% vol
Goes great with: Lemon peel, tonic and ice.
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