Bruichladdich launches ‘one of the oldest aged gins on the market’

Bruichladdich Distillery has launched a new aged Botanist Gin as part of their Islay Festival celebrations.

The 2011 Single Cask Islay Aged Gin was unveiled for the virtual Fèis Ìle by head distiller, Adam Hannett, and is now one of the oldest aged gins on the market.

The exclusive release was first put in a premium red wine cask in 2011 when the gin brand was first launched and has been maturing in the cool climes of Bruichladdich Distillery’s warehouse on Islay ever since.

The rare gin has been soaking up the colour and flavours of the oak barrel and the “marine influence of the Islay sea air”.

Speaking about the launch, Adam confirmed there is just one cask available, with only 418 350ml bottles of this extremely limited-edition liquid available.

He said: “It’s something special to have a single cask of The Botanist, matured from the first year that we realised it out into the world.

“We describe The Botanist as the unique expression of the heart and soul of Islay but obviously the island is best known for whisky. Curiosity and patience led us to this unique experiment. We think it’s been worth the wait.”

To give fans a chance to get one they are offering a ballot, which can be found here, with the bottles priced at £75 each.

Adam added that this one-of-a-kind cask of The Botanist offers consumers a unique flavour that combines notes of brown sugar, honey, tobacco and toffee from the oak, with a finish of citrus freshness and sweet-scented juniper.

It’s best enjoyed neat or on the rocks to allow the liquid to speak for itself.

Douglas Taylor, CEO of Bruichladdich Distillery added: “This single cask of The Botanist, Islay aged gin is the embodiment of our curiosity, craft and philosophy.

“To think that it has been maturing quietly on Islay, from the very beginning of the brand’s existence to this point, is really special. I’m delighted to toast The Botanist’s tenth birthday with this incredible and unique spirit.