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.

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.

Think you know peaty whisky? Think again. Glenfiddich, the worlds most awarded single malt Scotch Whisky, has launched Glenfiddich Fire & Cane, an unexpected combination of their rarely-seen peated whisky with unpeated bourbon-aged single malt, all of which is finished in Latin rum casks. The result is a surprisingly sweet and smoky dram that blends rich caramel and spice notes with fresh green fruit and soft pillowy smoke. A worthy continuation of the series that's very interesting to pair with different types of food try it with spicy sausage or ice cream, for example!

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.

Ballantine's Scotch Whisky has a soft and elegant nose of heather, honey and spice notes develop into balanced, subtle flavours with tones of milk chocolate, red apple & vanilla. A wonderful, well rounded Scotch.

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.

Matured in American White Oak ex-Bourbon Barrels with an Aged Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish, Jura 12 YO Single Malt is a rich and rounded balance of subtle smoky notes with a sweet sherry cask finish.