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.
Lord Howe Island Distilling Co Wild Lemon & Hibiscus Gin
The wild bush lemons on Lord Howe Island descend from the fruits of the early settlers. They were planted to help sustain them during the long periods between passing ships. They have a unique enveloping aroma, but beware the thorns! In the days of ships and flying boats, a tradition on Lord Howe Island was to throw flower leis into the water from departing launch boats. They inevitably washed ashore to signify their wearers return to the island.
Dewar's The Vintage 18 Year Old Scotch Whisky
Dewars 18 Year Old Scotch Whisky is carefully prepared by putting the whisky back into the cask to mature a second time after blending (double-aging). This method allows all of the older and characterful whiskies to mingle before bottling with resulting flavours of nut and marzipan, to name a few.
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.
GLENFIDDICH 12 Year Old SHERRY FINISH
The core character remains true to the heart of Glenfiddich signature 12 year old with a sweet, fruitiness rich in fresh pear and crisp apple. the flavour is deeper, sweeter and more oaky with light spice, delicate hints of dried fruits and a touch of baked apple.
Bruichladdich Classic Laddie
This single malt Scotch whisky has been crafted by master distiller Jim McEwan from individually selected casks to showcase the classic, floral and elegant Bruichladdich house style. Unpeated, it is the signature bottling and the definitive Bruichladdich. Made from 100% Scottish barley, trickle distilled, then matured for its entire life by the shores of Lochindaal in premium American oak. The palate entry is so refined and refreshing, the sweet oak and the barley arriving together sending the taste buds into raptures. The fruits from Distillation drift in on an Atlantic breeze and pop on the tongue like champagne bubbles. A combination of ripe green fruit, brown sugar and sweet malt bring closure.
Glenfarclas 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Full flavoured, with a background of peat smoke. The body is firm with a slight oiliness and the finish is long with noticeable oak. Simply click on the Click & Collect Icon and type in your postcode for your nearest store with availability.
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."
Singleton 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Glenfiddich 14 Year Old Bourbon Barrel Single Malt Whisky
NOSE: Deep vibrant vanilla notes with hints of citrus, caramalised brown sugar and cinnamon. Baked apple and ripe summer fruits and balanced with the rich oaky aromas. TASTE: Beautifully rich and sweet with layers of creamy toffee, woody spices, candied orange peel and fresh toasted oak. FINISH: Long lasting with lingering sweetness.