The Botanist Islay Cask Rested Gin
Description: The Botanist Islay Cask Rested Gin represents an evolution of the original Islay Dry Gin, drawing on Bruichladdich Distillery's whisky-making heritage. This expression is crafted by resting The Botanist Islay Dry Gin for a minimum of six months in a selection of fine oak casks. The specific types of casks used can vary but often include a cuvée of American and European oak, previously holding various wines and spirits. This resting period allows the gin's 22 hand-foraged Islay botanicals to interact with the wood, imparting subtle yet distinct characteristics of spice, warmth, and a smoother texture while maintaining the gin's vibrant botanical core.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Initially presents warming spices and candied citrus peels, intertwined with the sweet and perfumed notes of juniper and baking spices. A subtle oak influence emerges, complementing the classic herbal and floral aromas of The Botanist's signature botanicals. Hints of candied fruit, fleshy orange, coconut, and almond may also be detected.
- Palate: The texture is notably softer and more elegant than the unaged expression, with a gentle viscosity imparted by the cask. The complex botanical profile remains at the forefront, now layered with subtle wood spices and a hint of dried fruit. The interplay between the fresh herbal notes of the gin and the gentle influence of the oak creates a balanced and intriguing mouthfeel.
- Finish: The oak influence gradually fades, allowing the heart of The Botanist to resurface with a rush of fresh herbal notes, juniper, coriander, and bright citrus. The finish is often described as clean and dry, with a lingering warmth and a whisper of vanilla and cinnamon from the wood.
Overall Impression: The Botanist Islay Cask Rested Gin is a compelling and nuanced spirit that successfully marries the vibrant complexity of Islay's terroir with the subtle influence of oak maturation. It offers a refined and sophisticated drinking experience, showcasing how cask finishing can add a new dimension to gin without overpowering its fundamental character. It's a versatile gin that can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks to appreciate its subtleties, as well as in classic cocktails like a Negroni or a Gin Old Fashioned, where the added depth and spice from the cask can create intriguing variations.
