The Botanist Islay Dry Gin – A Wild Symphony of 31 Scottish Botanicals

Updated → September 2025

Experience the essence of Scotland's remote Islay island through The Botanist Islay Dry Gin—a complex spirit crafted with 22 hand-foraged local botanicals plus 9 classic gin ingredients, creating an unparalleled 46% ABV masterpiece from Bruichladdich Distillery.

The Islay Gin Revolution

When you think of Islay, Scotland's famous whisky island, your mind likely conjures images of peaty, smoke-filled drams from legendary distilleries. Yet The Botanist Islay Dry Gin represents a radical departure from this tradition. Launched in 2011 by Bruichladdich Distillery, this exceptional spirit has redefined what it means to capture the essence of place in a bottle.

The story begins with Jim McEwan, Bruichladdich's legendary master distiller, who initially resisted the idea of creating a gin at a whisky distillery. However, his deep connection to Islay and its wild landscape eventually inspired him to embark on what would become a revolutionary gin-making journey. Rather than simply producing another London Dry style gin, McEwan envisioned something that would embody the very soul of Islay—its untamed botanicals, maritime climate, and centuries-old foraging traditions.

Today, The Botanist Islay Dry Gin stands as the island's first and only dry gin, having achieved remarkable success globally. In 2024, it was ranked as the seventh best-selling gin brand worldwide by Drinks International, a testament to how this wild island spirit has captured the imagination of gin enthusiasts across continents.

31 Botanicals: A Botanical Heritage

The complexity of The Botanist Islay Dry Gin lies in its unprecedented use of 31 botanicals—a number that might seem excessive until you taste the harmonious result. The foundation consists of nine classic gin botanicals that provide the traditional backbone any gin aficionado would expect. These include wild Islay juniper berries, cassia bark, angelica root, coriander seed, cinnamon bark, lemon peel, orange peel, liquorice root, and orris root.

What truly sets this spirit apart are the 22 native Islay botanicals that transform it from a classic gin into something extraordinary. These locally foraged ingredients include apple mint, bog myrtle, chamomile, creeping willow, downy birch, elderflower, gorse flower, hawthorn flower, heather flowers, lady's bedstraw flowers, lemon balm, meadowsweet, mugwort leaves, red clover flowers, sweet cicely leaves, tansy, thyme leaves, water mint, white clover, wild thyme, and wood sage.

Each botanical contributes its own character to the final spirit. The coastal botanicals like sweet sea aster and salty green orache bring a maritime salinity reminiscent of Islay's rugged shores. Highland botanicals such as heather and bog myrtle add earthy, honeyed notes. Together, these 31 ingredients create layers of complexity that unfold with each sip, making The Botanist Islay Dry Gin a true expression of its island terroir.

The Foraging Tradition

The heart of The Botanist Islay Dry Gin lies in its foraging tradition, a practice that connects the modern distillery to Islay's ancient past. The 22 native botanicals are hand-picked by a dedicated team of foragers who know every glen, bog, and coastal path on the island. Originally, this task was undertaken by retired botanists Richard and Mavis Gulliver, whose expertise ensured sustainable harvesting practices.

Foraging begins in early spring when the first shoots emerge from winter's grip. Each botanical has its optimal harvesting time—elderflowers bloom in late May, while heather flowers peak in August. The foragers must work with nature's calendar, collecting some botanicals fresh while others are dried for year-round use. This seasonal rhythm means that subtle variations exist between batches, though the distillery's expertise ensures consistent quality.

The sustainability aspect cannot be overstated. Foragers take only what nature can spare, ensuring that plant populations remain healthy for future generations. This philosophy reflects Islay's community values, where respect for the land runs deep. The practice also provides employment for local residents, keeping traditional knowledge alive while supporting the island's economy.

Ugly Betty: The Legendary Still

Perhaps no piece of equipment better embodies the unconventional spirit of The Botanist Islay Dry Gin than "Ugly Betty," the affectionately named Lomond pot still used in its creation. This 11,600-liter behemoth was rescued from the defunct Inverleven Distillery, representing a piece of Scottish distilling history that might otherwise have been lost to scrap metal dealers.

Betty is one of the last surviving examples of an experimental still design developed after World War II by chemical engineer Alistair Cunningham. The Lomond still represents a hybrid between a traditional pot still and a column still, originally designed to produce different whisky styles. Its unusual shape—described by some as an "oversized upside-down dustbin made of copper"—earned it the nickname that has stuck through the decades.

For gin production, Betty has been modified with a botanical basket that sits in the still's neck. As alcohol vapors rise during distillation, they pass through this basket containing all 31 botanicals, gently extracting their essential oils and flavors. This vapor infusion method, combined with Betty's unique design, creates a remarkably smooth and refined spirit that captures the essence of each botanical without harsh extraction.

The Achingly Slow Distillation

The creation of The Botanist Islay Dry Gin is a study in patience. The distillation process takes approximately 17 hours—four times longer than typical gin production. This "achingly slow" approach, as the distillers describe it, allows for maximum flavor extraction while maintaining the delicate balance between all 31 botanicals.

The process begins with an overnight maceration of the nine core botanicals in neutral grain spirit made from 100% wheat. This base is combined with Islay spring water, which adds its own mineral character to the final product. The following morning, the 22 foraged botanicals are loaded into Betty's botanical basket, each carefully measured to maintain the recipe's precise balance.

As distillation begins, the temperature is kept deliberately low. This gentle heating ensures that the most volatile compounds—those providing fresh, floral notes—are captured without being overwhelmed by heavier flavors. The master distiller monitors the process continuously, making tiny adjustments to maintain optimal conditions. The result is a gin of exceptional purity and complexity, where no single botanical dominates but all contribute to the harmonious whole.

Tasting Notes & Flavor Journey

Upon first nosing The Botanist Islay Dry Gin, you're immediately greeted by a bouquet of herbal freshness. Juniper takes the lead, as it should in any quality gin, but it's quickly joined by sweet citrus notes from the lemon and orange peels. Allow the spirit a moment to open up in your glass, and deeper layers emerge—the sweet spiciness of cassia and coriander providing a warm foundation.

The Islay botanicals make their presence known through waves of complexity. There's a green freshness reminiscent of a highland meadow after rain, with notes of mint, thyme, and chamomile weaving through the traditional gin backbone. Some detect a subtle salinity, a whisper of Islay's coastal influence, while others find honeyed floral notes from the heather and clover.

On the palate, the 46% ABV provides perfect weight and texture. The spirit is remarkably smooth, with a satin-like viscosity that coats the mouth. Initial juniper brightness gives way to complex herbal notes, with each sip revealing new nuances. The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of citrus peel, wild herbs, and a gentle spice warmth. It's a gin that rewards contemplation, revealing new facets whether enjoyed neat, with tonic, or in cocktails.

The Perfect Botanist Serve

While The Botanist Islay Dry Gin shines in complex cocktails, sometimes the simplest serves best showcase its character. The classic Botanist & Tonic remains the most popular way to enjoy this spirit, and for good reason. The key lies in the details: use a high-quality tonic water (many enthusiasts swear by Fever-Tree Mediterranean or Elderflower tonic), maintain a 1:2 ratio of gin to tonic, and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or a slice of pink grapefruit.

Temperature matters tremendously. Both gin and tonic should be well-chilled before mixing, and use plenty of ice—large cubes are ideal as they melt more slowly. Pour the gin over ice first, then add the tonic slowly down a bar spoon to preserve carbonation. This method ensures that the botanical complexity isn't drowned out by excessive dilution or flat tonic.

For those who prefer to taste the gin's full complexity, try it neat in a tulip-shaped glass like a Glencairn whisky glass. The narrow opening concentrates the aromatics, allowing you to fully appreciate the interplay of botanicals. Add a few drops of water to open up the flavors, much like you would with a cask-strength whisky. This method particularly highlights the local Islay botanicals that might get lost in a mixed drink.

Signature Cocktail Creations

The complexity of The Botanist Islay Dry Gin makes it a bartender's dream, capable of elevating classic cocktails while inspiring new creations. In a Martini, its herbal complexity shines when mixed at a 5:1 ratio with quality dry vermouth. Stir with ice for proper dilution, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with a lemon twist or olive—though some bartenders prefer a sprig of thyme to echo the gin's herbal notes.

The Negroni takes on new dimensions with this Islay spirit. The standard equal parts formula works beautifully, with the gin's 46% ABV providing enough backbone to stand up to Campari's bitterness and sweet vermouth's richness. The botanical complexity adds layers that unfold as the drink warms slightly in your hand, making each sip a journey of discovery.

Creative bartenders have developed signature serves that highlight specific aspects of the gin. The "Islay Garden" combines The Botanist Islay Dry Gin with elderflower liqueur, fresh cucumber, lime juice, and a splash of tonic, garnished with fresh mint. The "Coastal Martini" incorporates a rinse of peated Islay whisky, paying homage to the distillery's whisky heritage while adding a subtle smoke note that complements the maritime botanicals.

Food Pairing Adventures

The herbal complexity and subtle salinity of The Botanist Islay Dry Gin opens exciting possibilities for food pairing. Seafood is a natural match—try it with fresh oysters, where the gin's botanical notes complement the briny sweetness. Smoked salmon on rye bread with dill cream cheese creates a perfect harmony, especially when accompanied by a Botanist & Tonic garnished with cucumber.

The gin's herbal character makes it excellent with Mediterranean cuisine. Grilled vegetables drizzled with olive oil and herbs echo the botanical flavors, while goat cheese's tanginess provides pleasant contrast. For more adventurous pairings, try it with sushi—the clean flavors and wasabi heat play beautifully against the gin's complexity.

Cheese courses benefit from this spirit's versatility. Soft, creamy cheeses like Brillat-Savarin or a young chèvre highlight the floral notes, while aged hard cheeses bring out the gin's spicier elements. For dessert, lemon-based sweets or elderflower panna cotta create delightful flavor echoes. Dark chocolate with sea salt provides an unexpected but delicious contrast, especially when the gin is served neat as a digestif.

Standing Among Premium Gins

In the crowded premium gin market, The Botanist Islay Dry Gin occupies a unique position. While gins like Hendrick's pioneered the use of unusual botanicals and Monkey 47 pushed complexity with its 47-botanical recipe, The Botanist strikes a remarkable balance between innovation and drinkability. Its 31 botanicals could easily create a muddled, overcomplicated spirit, yet the result is surprisingly harmonious and approachable.

Compared to London Dry stalwarts like Tanqueray or Beefeater, The Botanist offers significantly more complexity while maintaining the juniper-forward profile gin purists expect. Against other Scottish gins like Caorunn or Edinburgh Gin, it stands out for its strong sense of place—the Islay terroir is unmistakable. The 46% ABV places it above many competitors in strength, providing better performance in cocktails and more intense flavor when served neat.

Price-wise, The Botanist Islay Dry Gin sits in the premium category, comparable to other craft gins but below ultra-premium offerings. This positioning reflects its quality and production methods—hand-foraging, slow distillation, and small-batch production justify the price while keeping it accessible to serious gin enthusiasts. Many consider it excellent value given the complexity and craftsmanship involved in every bottle.

Sustainability & Island Stewardship

Bruichladdich Distillery's commitment to sustainability extends throughout the production of The Botanist Islay Dry Gin. The foraging program exemplifies this philosophy—taking only what nature can sustainably provide, rotating harvesting areas, and monitoring plant populations to ensure long-term viability. This approach preserves Islay's botanical heritage for future generations while maintaining the quality of the gin.

The distillery's broader sustainability initiatives include using Scottish-grown grain for the base spirit, minimizing packaging waste, and investing in renewable energy projects on Islay. Water conservation is paramount, with the distillery treating and returning water to the environment cleaner than when extracted. These efforts reflect a deep understanding that the quality of the product depends on the health of the island ecosystem.

Community involvement remains central to the sustainability story. By employing local foragers, supporting island businesses, and contributing to Islay's economy, The Botanist Islay Dry Gin helps maintain the island's population and traditional way of life. This holistic approach to sustainability—environmental, economic, and social—ensures that each bottle represents not just exceptional gin but also responsible stewardship of a unique place.

Awards & Global Recognition

Since its launch in 2011, The Botanist Islay Dry Gin has garnered numerous accolades from spirits competitions worldwide. The gin received the prestigious Diamond prize at the Monaco Concours of the Femmes et Spiriteux du Monde in its debut year, setting the stage for continued recognition. Major awards from the International Wine & Spirit Competition, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and the World Gin Awards have followed.

Perhaps more significant than competition medals is the gin's commercial success and industry recognition. Being ranked as the seventh best-selling gin globally in 2024 demonstrates that quality and commercial appeal can coexist. Bar professionals consistently rate it highly, with many featuring it prominently in their cocktail programs. The gin regularly appears on "best gin" lists in publications ranging from spirits trade magazines to lifestyle publications.

The recognition extends beyond the liquid itself. The distinctive bottle design, inspired by Victorian apothecary bottles, has won packaging awards. The brand's storytelling—emphasizing place, process, and people—has been cited as exemplary in spirits marketing. This holistic success demonstrates that The Botanist Islay Dry Gin represents more than just excellent gin; it's a complete brand experience that resonates with consumers worldwide.

Buying Guide & Storage Tips

When purchasing The Botanist Islay Dry Gin, you'll find it widely available in premium liquor stores and online retailers. The standard 750ml bottle is the most common format, though some markets offer 1-liter bottles and gift sets that include branded glassware or cocktail accessories. Limited editions occasionally appear, often featuring special packaging or including botanical samples, making excellent gifts for gin enthusiasts.

Proper storage ensures your gin maintains its quality over time. Unlike wine, gin doesn't improve with age once bottled, but it's remarkably stable when stored correctly. Keep bottles upright in a cool, dark place—direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations can affect the delicate botanical flavors. The high alcohol content prevents spoilage, but oxidation can slowly dull the flavors once opened, so it's best enjoyed within a year or two of opening.

For the ultimate experience, consider your glassware and serving accessories. Copa de Balon glasses (large balloon glasses) have become popular for gin and tonics, as their bowl shape captures aromatics while providing space for ice and garnishes. A quality bar spoon, jigger for accurate measuring, and fresh garnishes will elevate your home gin experience. Some enthusiasts even keep dried botanicals on hand to match garnishes to specific cocktails, echoing the gin's complex botanical blend.

The Botanist Community

The success of The Botanist Islay Dry Gin has fostered a passionate community of enthusiasts worldwide. Social media platforms showcase creative serves, with the hashtag #TheBotanistGin revealing thousands of posts from professional bartenders and home enthusiasts alike. The brand's Instagram presence celebrates not just the gin but also Islay's natural beauty, foraging traditions, and the people behind the product.

Bruichladdich Distillery welcomes visitors for tours that include The Botanist experience, allowing gin lovers to see Ugly Betty in action and learn about the foraging process firsthand. Special events like botanical walks, where participants can identify and taste some of the 22 local ingredients, provide deeper connections to the product and place. These experiences transform customers into ambassadors who understand and can articulate what makes this gin special.

The professional bartending community has particularly embraced The Botanist Islay Dry Gin. Masterclasses and brand education sessions help bartenders understand the complexity and versatility of the spirit. Many report that it's become their go-to gin for both classic cocktails and creative experiments. This professional endorsement translates to consumer recommendations, creating a virtuous cycle of discovery and appreciation that continues to grow the brand's following.

Final Thoughts

The Botanist Islay Dry Gin represents far more than just another premium gin. It's a liquid embodiment of place, a celebration of botanical diversity, and a testament to the craft of distillation. From the wind-swept hills where foragers gather wild herbs to the copper confines of Ugly Betty where magic happens, every element contributes to creating something truly exceptional.

Whether you're a gin connoisseur seeking complexity, a cocktail enthusiast looking for versatility, or someone who simply appreciates craftsmanship and authenticity, this Islay spirit delivers on all fronts. Its ability to work equally well in a simple G&T or complex cocktail creations makes it a valuable addition to any spirits collection. The growing global recognition confirms what those who've tasted it already know—this is gin at its finest.

As you explore The Botanist Islay Dry Gin, remember that each sip connects you to Islay's wild landscape, its foraging traditions, and the passionate people who create this remarkable spirit. Visit West Street Wine & Spirits to begin your own Botanist journey, and discover why this unique gin has captured hearts and palates around the world. In a market flooded with gins claiming to be different, The Botanist delivers genuine distinction—31 botanicals, one island, and infinite possibilities.