THE BOTANIST DISTILLER'S STRENGTH GIN
ISLAY, SCOTLAND
Why Buy: Folks, this new release is THE gin for your martinis and Negronis — intensely aromatic, full-bodiedly rich, and massively complex. A must-have for your bar cart, and at $45 a bottle a phenomenal value besides.
The Details: A gin crafted by whisky maestros on the windswept shores of Islay — that's The Botanist Distiller's Strength. This high-proof powerhouse, featuring 22 hand-foraged Islay botanicals and 9 classic gin aromatics, is the brainchild of Bruichladdich's innovators, who have been wowing us and many other gin lovers since launching in 2010.
What They're Saying: "Occasionally, you come across [a gin] that is as special as it is versatile,” Esquire wrote."The equivalent of that tailored suit you can wear practically every day and yet still get compliments. That’s what The Botanist is."
The Story: In 2010, Bruichladdich Distillery, already a maverick in the whisky world, ventured into uncharted territory: gin production. Thus was born The Botanist, a love letter to Islay featuring an astounding 22 hand-foraged local botanicals. It quickly established itself as the gin connoisseur's gin, a bottle that speaks eloquently of terroir and craftsmanship. Head distiller Adam Hannett's mission was to look beyond gin's boundaries. As he told Forbes, at Bruichladdich “we have a long history of innovation, experimentation and a progressive attitude. We like to ask ourselves 'what if?'" This ethos led to the creation of the Distiller's Strength expression, a new level for them of flavor and complexity.
The Method: The process begins with the careful hand-foraging of 22 native Islay botanicals, including wild thyme, chamomile, and bog myrtle. These are combined with nine classic gin aromatics in a unique Lomond still nicknamed "Ugly Betty." The distillation at 50% ABV allows for enhanced extraction of essential oils, resulting in a more concentrated flavor profile and richer mouthfeel. This higher strength ensures that the flavorful oils from distillation are amplified, creating a gin with remarkable depth and character.
Our Tasting Notes: Nosing the glass, you're greeted by a complex bouquet that marries wild Islay herbs with brisk coastal freshness, underpinned by classic juniper-led gin aromatics. The palate is a velvety embrace of full-bodied luxuriousness. Layers of botanical flavors unfold with graceful intensity — bold juniper leads, giving way to bright citrus notes, followed by earthy undertones and a whisper of wildflowers. The finish is long, warming, and smooth, with just enough strength to remind you of its "Distiller's Strength" credentials.
ABV: 50% (100 proof)
Fun Fact: In season 1, episode 4 of “Succession,” a bottle of The Botanist can be glimpsed on the bar behind Kendall Roy (played by Jeremy Strong) at a charity gala.
Our Guarantee: As with all our offerings, this gin comes directly from the distiller. Your bottle will arrive in pristine condition, ready for your cellar—or your glass.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2024. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NC, NY, TN, VA, & WA. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.
