The Botanist Gin is a Hebridean deal with from Islay, an island within the Internal Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland. It’s a very spectacular gin, with 22 (actually!) regionally hand-foraged botanicals working alongside some core ones. Bottled at a punchy 46%, our evaluation of The Botanist Gin finds a recent, clear and superbly balanced gin distilled with recent Islay spring water. It’s a premium gin that’s priced attractively, and introduced in a bottle that makes an important addition to any gin shelf.
These 22 hand-foraged botanical are positioned in a botanical basket for the primary distillation, which itself solely takes place after an in a single day maceration of the 9 core botanicals. This can be a gin that’s been made with actual delight, effort and talent by the distillers. And, as an apart, it’s really made by the identical distillery as Bruichladdich whisky, which is a beautiful dram…
So what are the 22 hand-foraged botanicals you ask? Nicely, deep breath: apple mint, chamomile, creeping thistle, downy birch, elder, gorse, hawthorn, heather, juniper, girl’s bedstraw, lemon balm, meadowsweet, mugwort, purple clover, spearmint, candy cicely, bathroom myrtle, tansy, water mint, white clover, wild thyme, wooden sage.
A number of of these would possibly properly resonate with you in case you take an curiosity within the botanicals in your gin. Definitely bathroom myrtle and chamomile, for instance, could be acquainted. Lots of the record, nonetheless, are more likely to be new names. It’s incredible to see a distillery take inspiration from the character that surrounds them. It’s additionally the place the title comes from; a transparent nod to the botanical inspirations behind this gin.
The Botanist Gin evaluation
On opening the bottle, you’re confronted by a pleasant aroma. I’ve had The Botanist many instances earlier than, but it surely’s not one thing I’ll ever tire of. There’s a pleasant hit of juniper, and the citrus peel from the core botanicals additionally makes an early exhibiting. That heady and floral botanical combine can be there although; there’s a beautiful subtlty and clear high quality on the nostril.
To style, there’s an earthier high quality that additionally comes by on this gin. The heat of the cinnamon and coriander lay a stable basis alongside the juniper for these lighter botanicals. The citrus continues to be there within the background too. With 22 hand-foraged botanicals it would all the time be fairly tough to choose them out individually (and the individuality of some them would compound that), however hats off to the distillers right here; The Botanist Gin is a triumph of stability.
Methods to serve The Botanist Gin
The most effective serve for The Botanist Gin? This can be a versatile gin, and one which you possibly can use as a base for cocktails. It’s additionally very properly crafted, and balanced as we notice above. It subsequently makes for an important drink over ice, and it already options on our record of favorite gins which are good to drink neat.
Garnish-wise, we actually appreciated serving The Botanist with grapefruit. The marginally acidic nature of the grapefruit actually contrasts properly with the floral botanicals. It’s a gin that may work properly with any citrus garnish although. And the identical goes for a extra floral garnish too. I wouldn’t be afraid to experiment with something like cucumber, mint, thyme, chamomile, or slices of apple; all of them would complement these beautiful foraged botanicals. A Botanist and Tonic, over ice with any of these garnishes, is a elegant serve. The extra radical in us may even strive The Botanist with ginger ale; it really is flexible.
Total, I might completely advocate you strive The Botanist Gin in case you haven’t already. It’s a gin that’s pleased with its island house and its heritage, and all that these can supply, and that delight shines by in a top quality drink.
The Botanist Gin Planter Present Set
Now, for a lot of the evaluations on this web site I usually function a picture that I’ve taken of the bottle. Nevertheless, for this one, I’ve opted for an image of The Botanist Gin Planter Present Set. I used to be very kindly despatched one by the crew at The Botanist, and I feel it makes for a incredible reward.
The reward set incorporates a 70cl bottle and, as you’ll be able to see, it is available in a tin planter adorned with the identical Latin botanical names that may be discovered on the bottle. The concept is that you simply fill the tin with soil and get planting! You may develop your individual herbs, garnishes (what else!), or no matter you fancy. The reward pack additionally consists of foraged cocktail recipes, some seeds and garnish inspirations. It’s an important, sustainable reward.
The pack itself retails for about £45, however do store round. For instance, you should purchase it from Amazon beneath.
The place to purchase The Botanist Gin
Within the UK, you’ll be able to purchase The Botanist from Amazon by clicking right here, or by way of the hyperlink beneath. You can too but it surely direct from The Botanist web site in lots of bottle sizes. Take a look at their different presents too, similar to highball glass tumblers, stainless-steel straws and aprons.
For reader within the US and Canada, the excellent news is that you could purchase The Botanist from Drizly by clicking right here.
Disclosure
I consider in full disclosure and, as famous within the article above, I used to be gifted The Botanist Present Planter Present pack. No different remuneration was obtained. I solely function gins and presents on this web site that I might be blissful to advocate. That is definitely the case with The Botanist Gin.
Cheers! Andy, Founder, whichgin.com
