The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
Artisanal, complex, and deeply connected to nature, The Botanist Islay Dry Gin is handcrafted at the Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay, Scotland. Distilled in a single Lomond still named Ugly Betty, it combines 9 classic botanicals with 22 hand-foraged native plants to create an extraordinary balance of citrus, floral, and herbal notes.
Bottled at 46% ABV, The Botanist delivers exceptional purity and texture - a gin that captures the wild beauty and craftsmanship of its island origin.
Produced by one of Scotland’s most respected distilleries, The Botanist represents the essence of Islay in a glass: wild, natural, and unmistakably refined.
Scotland
700ml
46% ABV
NVWild, complex, and beautifully balanced, The Botanist Islay Dry Gin is a handcrafted expression of the Scottish island of Islay, renowned for its whisky-making heritage. Created by the team behind Bruichladdich Distillery, this small-batch gin captures the island’s unique terroir through an intricate blend of 22 hand-foraged local botanicals layered over a foundation of 9 classic gin botanicals.
Distilled slowly in Ugly Betty, a vintage Lomond still, the process extracts delicate aromas with precision and care. Bottled at 46% ABV, it delivers extraordinary depth — floral, herbal, and citrus-led, yet underpinned by Islay’s earthy, maritime character.
The Botanist is more than a gin — it’s a true expression of place, craftsmanship, and the wild spirit of Islay.
Produced at the Bruichladdich Distillery on the remote Scottish island of Islay, The Botanist was conceived as a tribute to the island’s natural abundance and artisanal heritage. Known primarily for its single malt whiskies, Bruichladdich applied its whisky-making philosophy — locality, authenticity, and sustainability — to gin production.
Master distiller Jim McEwan and a team of local foragers created a gin that reflects Islay’s wild landscape, hand-harvesting native botanicals from the island’s hills, shores, and meadows. The gin is distilled in “Ugly Betty,” an old copper Lomond still, at a slow and gentle pace to preserve nuance and character.
Rooted in Islay’s soil and spirit, The Botanist stands as a pioneering example of modern Scottish gin — natural, artisanal, and deeply connected to its home.
Style: Islay Dry Gin (Contemporary / Botanical Gin)
Region: Islay, Scotland
Producer: Bruichladdich Distillery Company
Distillation: Slow distillation in Lomond still (“Ugly Betty”) using 22 hand-foraged Islay botanicals and 9 classic gin botanicals
Botanical Composition: 31 total — juniper, coriander, cassia, citrus peels, angelica, orris, and 22 native Islay botanicals including meadowsweet, bog myrtle, heather, gorse, and thyme
Maturation / Aging: Unaged
Cask Influence: None (classic clear gin)
Filtration / Proofing: Filtered and blended with pure Islay spring water
Appearance: Crystal clear
ABV: 46 %
Nose:
Bright and layered with citrus zest, wild herbs, juniper, and soft floral notes of heather and thyme.
Palate:
Complex and silky — fresh lemon and mint interplay with earthy herbs, juniper, and subtle spice. The 22 botanicals add depth and evolving flavour, from floral sweetness to dry herbaceous tones.
Finish:
Long and elegant with lingering citrus, mint, and gentle floral warmth.
Overall Character:
Wild, refined, and aromatic — a gin that evokes the landscape it comes from.
Neat / Chilled:
Serve over ice or slightly chilled to appreciate its layered botanical depth.
On the Rocks:
Enhances creamy texture and herbal brightness.
Cocktails:
Versatile and elegant — a perfect base for both classic and creative serves:
The Botanist & Tonic (with thyme, lemon, or mint garnish)
Martini (dry or dirty)
Southside
Gimlet
Bee’s Knees
Food Pairings:
Fresh oysters or seafood
Goat’s cheese, olives, or charcuterie
Herbal dishes and citrus desserts
Occasions:
Aperitif or tasting serve
Luxury cocktail menus
Fine dining pairings
5 The Market Place
Derrylin
Enniskillen BT92 9AN
United Kingdom
