Bruichladdich Botanist Gin 750ml

Although the “Botanist” name might suggest a floral gin, instead the flavor profile veers toward herbs and spices. There’s a subtle, herbal scent, with anise flavors up front, backed by coriander seed and cassia bark on the spicy finish. Made by Bruichladdich Distillery, which is renowned for its Scotch, on a pot-still named Ugly Betty. Sold in an attractive, square-shouldered, gift-worthy bottle. (4/ 2012)

What happens when you take one of the great single malt distillers of all time, put him in a room with an old Scottish pot still and have him make gin using only botanicals found on the legendary isle of Islay? Trouble. Trouble for other gin producers, that is. Bruichladdich's Jim McEwan has decided to tackle the gin market and his Botanist gin is simply to die for. Clean, brimming with lemon peel, vibrant junipe and lovely floral notes, and utterly soft on the palate, this is gin to drink neat--straight from the bottle. Made entirely on Bruichladdich's old school pot still (known affectionately as "Ugly Betty"), this is one of the great and more unique gins to hit the market--ever. We've been waiting impatiently for more than a year for this to finally make it to California. I've talked it up to customers for what seems like ages, but the time to get some for ourselves is finally here. While the gin itself isn't limited, getting it here has been quite a challenge. We were only able to secure 120 bottles for the time being, and I'm not sure when we'll be able to order again. You know what that means: buy it sooner than later. (David Driscoll, K&L Spirits buyer)