The Botanist Gin
The once mothballed Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay is better known for its idiosyncratic and eclectic range of single malts. Now they’re making a gin that’s the talk of the town. Mark Reynier, one of the key instigators in this distillery’s recent revival, explains, “Botanist gin came about because we are curious about distilling. For us it is not a question of merely pushing buttons, we like to test our distilling skills, we are intrigued. With Trestaraig and X4 we have explored triple and quadruple distillation, so with a Lomond still that we had liberated from Inverleven in 2003, we were wondering how to use it. It was an experimental still, the first of its kind and now the last”. The resulting gin uses nine of the classic gin aromatics – orris root, cassia bark, coriander seed, etc – and augments these with a heady harvest of 22 wild, native island botanicals, hand-picked by Bruichladdich’s expert foraging team from the windswept hills, peat bogs and atlantic shores of this Hebridean island of Islay. These include wild Islay Juniper, Elderflower, Bog Myrtle, Tansy, Hawthorn Flower, Birch Leaves, White Clover, Sweet Cicely and Lady's Bedstraw, amongst others. This truly seasonal and exotic cocktail is then slow "simmer" distilled in the lomond pot-still, nicknamed "ugly betty". Head distiller, Jim McEwan explains, “Betty prefers to work at low-pressure and won’t be rushed. So our precious botanicals are slowly and gently coaxed into releasing their complex, signature aromatics. Jim says he had to "learn a new dance" with Betty, and none of us knew what to expect from that first, achingly-slow 17 hour distillation. The result: a highly distinctive, complex, floral gin with outstanding finish and impeccable provenance. In an age of re-badged industrial gins, the Botanist stands out as a truly artisanal, small-batch, hand-crafted labour of love and distiller's art. A breath of botanical Islay in every glass. Tasting note: [30ml sample] Crystal clear, slightly viscous appearance. Powerful bouquet opens with fresh juniper and thyme followed by orange peel, coriander and pine. Excellent complexity and purity. Medium dry, concentrated profile delivers a creamy-yet-peppery mouthfeel with a nice balance between citrus peel and juniper. Orange peel on the finish leads into a subtle, persistent peppermint / eucalypt aftertaste. Great stuff - and if you're mixing, it lends a lovely creaminess to G&T’s. 46% Alc./Vol.
Glen Scotia Harbour Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Campbeltown's iconic harbour was once the last stop for Scotch whisky of all regions to the wider world, and our aptly named ‘Campbeltown Harbour’ is a toast to this important port, and the long-standing relationships it has forged between Campbeltown and the wider world. Glen Scotia Campbeltown Harbour whisky is a superb introduction to the Glen Scotia range, with a distinct coastal influence of sea salt & gentle smoke, balanced with soft peach and vanilla custard. Matured in 100% first fill Bourbon Casks with a light peaty character that enhances the maritime character found in Glen Scotia Single Malts. Nose: Briny sea spray, perfumed floral notes of violet and lavender and vanilla. Palate: Fruity and sweet. Soft peach and green apple followed by toffee fudge and vanilla custard. Finish: Dry, medium length. Tangy peat complements maritime character. Awards: • Gold - San Francisco Spirits Competition 2024.
Glen Grant 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch
Sweet aroma, fruity and floral with highland toffee, brambles and a hint of ginger marmalade. The taste is smooth and warming with sweet, malty flavours.
Loch Lomond 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Since 1814, Loch Lomond has been producing world class whiskies. They are a gold medal winning distillery winner of the '2017 Best Single Malt Distillery in the World' at the Berlin International Spirits Competition 2017. The exquisite 12yo single malt has a deep fruit character of peach and pear layered with a vanilla sweetness and characteristic hints of peat and smoke found in Loch Lomond whiskies. Worlds Best Single Malt Distillery 2017 Berlin Spirit Awards. Gold Medal 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Distillery heritage amongst the oldest in Scotland dating back to 1772.
Dark Matter Spiced Rum
The taste equivalent of warping into a liquid black hole but without every atom in your body being crushed to an infinitely small point. It is Scotland's first and only Rum, made in a purpose built distillery in Banchory. The result is a remarkable spiced rum made with only the finest, fresh ingredients and an attention to detail.
Jura Bourbon Single Malt Scotch Whisky
It’s the journey, not the destination that shapes us. The path from our foundation to the revival of our distillery in 1963 has shaped the vibrant character of our tiny island community and the whisky we make. This perfect marriage of Jura and hand selected American white oak ex bourbon casks results in notes of creamy vanilla, pecan pie and a touch of soft cinnamon and fresh pear. The ideal starting place to explore our Jura range. Aromas: Vanilla, coconut, banana. Taste: Creamy vanilla, pecan pie and a touch of soft cinnamon and fresh pear.
Eden Mill Hop Gin
Johnnie Walker Double Black Scotch Whisky
Johnnie Walker Double Black is the exciting and revolutionary new addition to the Johnnie Walker range. Double Black contains everything you already love about Johnnie Walker Black Label, with the intensity and complexity amplified. With the addition of deeper, darker malts from the Scottish west coast and the islands, Double Black delivers a unique smoky finish that sets it apart from the pack. Aromas of fresh citrus and vanilla come to the fore immediately. The best way to release this great nose is to add a small drop of pure water. On the palate, flavours of dark raisins, orange, clove and that unmistakable long, lingering, smoky finish.
Talisker Skye Scotch Whisky
An easy-drinking style, taking the distillery's classically rugged character and softening it out, while maintaining the smoky and sweet notes the distillery is known for. More approachable, but still definitely Talisker. Talisker Skye was introduced in early 2015, named after the beautiful island on which the distillery resides. This expression brings with it a more well-rounded and sweet flavour profile packed with fresh citrus, sweet smoke, peppery spice and traditional Talisker maritime notes. It's matured in a combination of refill and toasted American oak casks, with a slightly higher proportion of toasted casks. Perfect for those who perhaps find the classic Talisker flavour profile a bit too much, not to say that Talisker fans won't enjoy it too. Double Gold | 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Aberfeldy 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky
"One by one, The Last Great Malts of Scotland will leave their distillery gates. Full bodied and golden yellow in colour, Aberfeldy 12 Year Old is patiently fermented for longer bringing its famous honeyed notes and making it super smooth. A smooth dram of heather and honey. As golden in hand as the gold in its water source."