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. (KN) (4/2012)

What happens when you take one of the greatest 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 juniper and lovely floral notes, and utterly soft on the palate, this is gin to drink neat—straight from the bottle. Made entirely in Bruichladdich's old school pot still (known affectionately as "Ugly Betty"), this is one of the most interesting gins to hit the market—ever. We've been waiting impatiently for more than a year for this to finally make it to California. While the gin itself isn't limited, getting it here has been quite a challenge. We've talked it up to customers for ages, but the time to get some for ourselves is finally here!