The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
The Botanist Islay Dry Gin is a 750mL dry gin bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof), distilled at Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay, Scotland, from 31 botanicals: 22 hand-foraged on Islay and 9 classic gin botanicals. Master Distiller Jim McEwan created it, choosing 46% so the botanical oils hold a richer mouthfeel. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 46% (92 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Botanicals: 31 total — 22 hand-foraged Islay botanicals (including bog myrtle, heather, gorse, meadowsweet, wild thyme) plus 9 core botanicals (juniper, coriander, angelica, cassia, cinnamon, liquorice, orris, lemon and orange peel)
- Distillery: Bruichladdich Distillery, Islay
- Creator: Jim McEwan (launched 2011)
- Origin: Islay, Scotland
Twenty-Two Wild Botanicals, One Island
The Botanist is conceived and distilled under the same Bruichladdich roof as the distillery's single malts. Two professional foragers hand-gather the 22 Islay botanicals — flowers, leaves, and herbs from hills, peat bogs, and shorelines — and the recipe has not changed since McEwan created it. The brand reports gold medals at the World Gin Awards and the USA Spirit Ratings. Explore the house on the The Botanist vendor page, or browse our gin collection.
Tasting Notes
Per the brand's published notes: herbal freshness with juniper and sweet citrus first, over a sweet, spicy, earthy base from cassia and coriander; a rich, mellow palate that is cool on entry, then warming and round with citrus freshness, delicate florals, and wild herbs; a relaxed, balanced finish.
How to Enjoy
The brand's serves: a Gin & Tonic with rosemary and a grapefruit slice, or a Dry Martini with a lemon twist. More Islay spirits are in our gin collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many botanicals are in The Botanist?
Thirty-one: 22 hand-foraged on Islay plus 9 classic gin botanicals. The famous "22" is the foraged set, not the total.
Why is The Botanist bottled at 46%?
Creator Jim McEwan chose 46% ABV so the botanical oils give a richer, more viscous mouthfeel and the gin stands up in cocktails, per the brand's official FAQ.
Where is The Botanist made?
At Bruichladdich Distillery on the Scottish island of Islay, home of Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte, and Octomore single malts.
Thirty-one botanicals from one Hebridean island — order The Botanist Islay Dry Gin online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
