Fan favourite Islay-born Botanist Gin has announced that it will introduce a new Islay Cask Matured Gin Range that will see two new aged expressions - a Botanist Islay Cask Rested Gin and a Botanist Islay Cask Aged Gin.

The Botanist Gin comes from Islay Scotch distillery Bruichladdich, and so it's not all that surprising to see some crossovers! After all Bruichladdich produces some great quality Islay whiskies that employ the use of over 300 different cask types.

The Scottish gin brand has previously experimented with Red Wine and Sherry casks - however, this will be the first broad release of an aged gin from the distillery.

The new aged gins will be classified as Rested and Aged, with the latter referring to an extended maturation time.

Botanist Islay Cask Rested Gin

This expression is a cuvee of over 16 different cask types, with the gin having been aged in Bruichladdich's warehouse on Islay for a minimum of 6 months. The expression is bottled at 46% ABV, and is priced at £50.00.

The fragrant notes of 22 hand-foraged botanicals combined with wood spices create a vibrant and complex cuvée that redefines what gin can be.

Official Tasting Notes

Aroma: This blush liquid delivers initial notes of warming spices and candied citrus peels, a sweet, enticing bouquet of perfumed juniper, baking spices and oak. The delicate floral, herbaceous notes of The Botanist combine with the subtle hint of dried fruits from the wood.

Each nose of the glass entices you to discover a new element as candied fruits, sweet, fleshy orange, warming cinnamon, coconut and almonds emerge, complimenting the classic juniper style.

Taste: On the palate, the softness of the spirit is a delight. The gentle elegance of the cask rested Botanist holds a complexity and balance that is a joy to taste.

The cask influence shapes the spirit, bringing extra viscosity to the palate while the symphony of botanicals combines with the spices of the wood to create a deep mouthfeel. Captivating oak, expert distillation and botanicals combined with the influence of wood and time create a magical experience.

Finish: On the finish, the oak influence begins to fade as the heart of The Botanist reveals itself in a rush of fresh herbal notes, juniper, coriander and citrus.

Character: The complexity of The Botanist is wonderfully enhanced by its resting period in the finest quality casks.

There is a vibrancy and excitement about this exceptional spirit that puts it in a territory all of its own.

Botanist Islay Cask Aged Gin

The Cask Aged Gin expression is a cuvee of over 6 different cask types, aged for a minimum of 3 years in Bruichladdich's Islay warehouse. This expression is also bottled at 46% ABV and priced at £70.00.

Notes of dried fruit and toasted oats, rendered by time in wood, marry with fragrant botanicals. The result is a gin that defies convention. 

Official Tasting Notes

Aroma: This rich copper spirit opens with notes of fresh, ripe fruits, candied orange and light juniper. Clean, crisp apple and watermelon and tropical fruits of mango, peach and dried banana mingle with sweet, sugared almonds and lightly toasted oak.

An intricate combination of floral botanicals, juniper, brown sugar and leathery tobacco, sweet pastry, ginger and nutmeg from the heart of the wood speak of the harmony and integration of the oak and spirit.

Taste: The mouthfeel is creamy and viscous. Sweet, fresh fruit blends with vanilla ice cream with toasted oak. The length and complexity on the palate is a testament to the time in oak and the careful selection of casks to compliment the complex botanicals and the wonderful balance they possess.

The depth of the oak and the gentle earthy spices warm the palate while allowing the floral and herbal notes of the Botanist to remain at the heart of the profile.

Finish: On the finish, the tropical fruit notes linger. Oaky vanilla fades and grilled pineapple and mango puree last on the palate with subtle hints of crushed coriander, candied orange, fragrant juniper and sweet cassia.

Character: The depth and complexity of the Botanist is further enhanced by years of ageing in the finest quality casks.

The influences that shape and mature this spirit are drawn from deep within the wood - we have watched and waited until the time is right to share this exceptional spirit.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team