Experience The Botanist Islay Cask Rested Gin 92 Proof—a remarkable gin elevated by Bruichladdich Distillery’s whisky-making heritage and botanical mastery. Rested for a minimum of six months in fine Islay casks, this small-batch gin unites the complexity of 22 hand-foraged botanicals with sweet oak and vibrant citrus layers for an exceptional tasting journey. Aromas of warming spices, candied citrus peels, and juniper entice the senses, while the palate reveals deep mouthfeel, notes of vanilla cream, orange zest, cinnamon, and subtle apple pie spices. A finish of fresh herbs, coriander, and citrus lingers as oak gracefully recedes. Enjoy neat, over ice with a slice of orange, or in a classic Negroni to truly appreciate this nuanced and sophisticated 46% ABV spirit, redefining what gin can be.
Process & Profile
The Botanist Islay Cask Rested Gin undergoes a meticulous crafting process that honors both tradition and innovation. This distinguished spirit begins with a wheat base and 22 hand-foraged botanicals, creating the foundation of The Botanist's signature character. What sets this expression apart is its maturation period – the gin rests for a minimum of six months in a carefully selected cuvée of fine Islay casks, including American and European Oak varieties. This patient resting period allows the spirit to develop exceptional depth and complexity while maintaining the botanical essence that defines The Botanist. The result is a butterscotch-hued liquid that beautifully balances the original botanical profile with subtle wood influences, creating a harmony between herbal freshness and oak-derived warmth.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Presents a transparent liquid with an inviting butterscotch hue that hints at its cask-rested character.
Nose: Opens with warming spices and candied citrus peels, revealing a sweet, enticing bouquet of perfumed juniper, baking spices, and oak. With each approach, the aroma evolves to unveil new dimensions – delicate floral notes, herbaceous elements, and subtle dried fruit characteristics from the wood interaction.
Palate: The initial sip delivers woodruff, vanilla cream, and orange zest, followed by a mid-palate burst of cinnamon and cassia spice that evokes apple pie flavors with hints of ginger. The juniper emerges beautifully in the later stages, presenting herbaceous and somewhat dark characteristics complemented by mint notes and continued spice complexity.
Finish: A moderately long finish where the oak influence gracefully fades, allowing the heart of The Botanist to shine through with fresh herbal notes, juniper, coriander, and citrus in perfect harmony.
What Makes It Special
The Botanist Islay Cask Rested Gin represents a true innovation in the gin category, redefining what gin can be through thoughtful maturation. This exceptional spirit embodies Bruichladdich Distillery's whisky-making heritage and botanical expertise in equal measure. What truly distinguishes this expression is the symphony of 22 native Islay botanicals that have been carefully selected and foraged by hand. These botanicals include unique ingredients like Lady's Bedstraw, Creeping Thistle, various mints (Apple, Water, and Spearmint), Wood Sage, Mugwort, and Tansy. The cask maturation process enhances the spirit's complexity and creates an extraordinary mouthfeel. The interaction between the botanical elements and wood spices produces a vibrant and multi-faceted flavor profile that evolves with each sip, offering a gin experience unlike any other.
How to Enjoy
The exceptional character of The Botanist Islay Cask Rested Gin deserves thoughtful appreciation. Here are the ideal ways to experience this remarkable spirit:
Neat or Over Ice: The complexity and balance of this gin make it perfect for sipping neat or over ice with a simple orange slice garnish, allowing you to fully appreciate its nuanced character.
Classic Negroni: The depth and botanical richness of this cask-rested gin elevate the classic Negroni cocktail to new heights.
With Tonic: When paired with a classic tonic water, the gin's botanical and oak-influenced notes create a sophisticated and refreshing long drink. Garnish with an orange slice to complement the citrus elements in the spirit. This versatile spirit invites both gin enthusiasts and whisky appreciators to discover its unique character, offering a bridge between these two sophisticated spirit worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Botanist Islay Cask Rested Gin?
The Botanist Islay Cask Rested Gin is a unique gin crafted by the award-winning whisky makers of Islay, Scotland. It is distilled with 22 hand-foraged botanicals and then matured for a minimum of 6 months in a blend of fine Islay whisky casks, resulting in a vibrant and complex spirit that bridges the gap between gin and dark spirits.
How is this gin different from regular gin?
Unlike standard gins, The Botanist Islay Cask Rested Gin is rested in casks previously used for aging whisky. This process imparts subtle wood notes and a deep complexity, combining the classic botanical flavors of gin with the depth and character reminiscent of whisky.
What are the tasting notes for The Botanist Islay Cask Rested Gin?
This gin has a butterscotch hue and primarily herbal aroma, with hints of woodruff, coumarin, and bitter orange rind. The palate is complex, featuring woodruff, vanilla cream, orange zest, cinnamon, and cassia spice, with a finish that is moderately long and evolves as you sip.
What is the ABV (alcohol by volume) of this gin?
The Botanist Islay Cask Rested Gin is bottled at 46% ABV, which is equivalent to 92 proof.
How should I enjoy The Botanist Islay Cask Rested Gin?
Its complex flavor profile makes it versatile for sipping neat, over ice, or in cocktails that benefit from additional depth, such as a gin Old Fashioned or a barrel-aged Negroni.
Does it contain any unique botanicals?
Yes, it is crafted with 22 botanicals that are hand-foraged on the isle of Islay, lending a distinctively local and botanical character to the gin.
How long is it rested in casks?
The gin is rested for a minimum of 6 months in a blend of more than 15 casks, each contributing to its sophisticated balance of flavors.
What size bottles are available?
The Botanist Islay Cask Rested Gin is available in a 700ml bottle.
Is this gin suitable for whisky lovers?
Absolutely. Thanks to its cask maturation, this gin has a complexity and depth that appeals to both gin and whisky enthusiasts, making it an excellent choice for those interested in trying something that bridges both worlds.
