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.
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.
Craigellachie 13 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
One by one, The Last Great Malts of Scotland will leave their distillery gates. Deemed the bad boy of Speyside, Craigellachie is an unapologetically unique and challenging Single Malt. This is a complex dram, packed with flavour and texture. 13 Years Old, from an 1891 distillery. Bottled at a punchy 46% ABV. A stubborn, sulphurous single malt, condensed in rusted worm tubs on an inhospitable rocky bluff.
Grant's Triple Wood Scotch Whisky
Aged in three distinct woods for a smoother taste. Many whiskies take their flavour from just one cask, but we mature Grants Triple Wood in three different types of wood: Virgin Oak cask provides spicy robustness, American Oak lends subtle vanilla smoothness and Bourbon refill offers brown sugar sweetness, resulting in a smoother, richer, mellower taste.
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.
Downpour Coast & Croft Scottish Gin
North Uist Distilling Co., founded by islanders Jonny Ingledew and Kate MacDonald, crafts premium spirits that capture the wild character of Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. Produced at the historic Nunton Steadings, their award‑winning Downpour Gin range reflects the island’s dramatic Atlantic weather and rugged landscape, with locally foraged heather, coastal pepper dulse seaweed, and wild thyme delivering bold, vibrant flavour. Downpour Coast & Croft is a citrus‑forward, island‑inspired gin with a bright nose and a savoury sea‑spray finish, earning accolades including a Master Medal at The Spirits Business Spring Blind Tasting 2023 and Best New Product of the Year at the Scottish Gin Awards 2022. A true taste of North Uist in every drop.
Johnnie Walker Green Label Scotch Whisky
Johnnie Walker Green Label Scotch is a blend of entirely Single Malts and has aromas of smoky vanilla oak, pepper, fresh cut grass and sandalwood on the nose. Rich mouthfeel with a delicate earthiness are balanced through to a lingering malty aftertaste. Sophisticated and full of finesse. Great to enjoy neat or on the rocks.