The Botanist is a dry gin made by the Bruichladdich Distillery in Islay, Scotland. It is one of two gins made on the island and is known for its hand-foraged botanicals.[1] The name of the gin was inspired by two local botanists who helped develop the recipe for the gin alongside former Master Distiller, Jim McEwan.[2] In 2024 it was ranked the seventh-bestselling brand of gin in the world by Drinks International.[3]
Distillation
The Botanist gin is distilled after an overnight maceration of nine base botanicals (the seed, berry, bark, root, and peel categories) in 100% wheat spirit and Islay spring water. The alcohol vapor infusion from the distillation then passes through a botanical basket containing the collected leaves and petals. This double infusion gives the Botanist gin its distinct flavor.
The Botanist is slow distilled in the Lomond still "Ugly Betty," one of the last in existence. The distillation takes 17 hours.[4]