A Distinctly Scottish Take on Gin

I've been drinking The Botanist for several years now, and it remains one of the more interesting gins in my rotation. Made at the Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay—better known for peated whiskies—this gin takes a different approach than most London Dry expressions.

The signature feature is the 22 hand-foraged botanicals from Islay itself, added to nine core gin botanicals. When I first nosing the gin neat, I immediately notice this difference. There's a pronounced herbal quality—mentholated, slightly medicinal in the way good amaro can be—alongside the expected juniper. The floral notes are present but subtle, more wildflower meadow than perfume counter.

In my standard gin and tonic test (Fever-Tree, 2:1 ratio, lime), The Botanist performs admirably. The island botanicals come through clearly without overwhelming the drink. I can distinguish layers: there's citrus, yes, but also what tastes like chamomile, perhaps some clover or sweet herbs. The finish has a pleasant, gentle bitterness. This is where the gin shows its strengths—in simple serves that let the botanical complexity breathe.

I've had less consistent results in cocktails. In a classic martini, the herbal assertiveness tends to push forward more than I prefer, though gin enthusiasts who enjoy that profile may appreciate it. The Botanist works better in applications where you want the gin to be a noticeable element rather than a smooth background player. A Negroni with this gin is interesting, as the botanicals add texture, though I wouldn't call it my preferred expression for that cocktail.

The 46% ABV is higher than standard 40%, which I appreciate. It gives the gin more presence and means it doesn't disappear when mixed. Neat or with a single ice cube, it's sippable, though this isn't how I typically drink gin.

From a production standpoint, the use of Islay botanicals is more than marketing—you can taste the difference. Whether that difference is worth the premium price depends on what you value. If you already enjoy other craft gins and want something with a clear regional character, The Botanist delivers. If you're comparing it strictly on versatility or looking for a workhorse gin for all applications, there are more adaptable options at similar or lower price points.

The bottle design is handsome in an apothecary way, with the botanical illustrations printed directly on the glass. It's a nice touch, though not a factor in how the gin tastes.

I keep The Botanist on hand, but I reach for it selectively. It's become my choice when I want a gin and tonic with character on a warm evening, or when I'm mixing for someone who appreciates herbal complexity. For batch cocktails or when I need a gin that plays well with others, I typically choose something more neutral. It's a good gin with a strong point of view—which means it won't be for everyone, but those who connect with that profile will likely enjoy it quite a bit.