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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.

Lindores Abbey is the officially recognised site of the first recorded distillation of Scotch whisky. It was back in 1494 that King James IV commissioned Brother John Cor at Lindores Abbey to make aqua vitae with eight bolls of malt. For more than 100 years, the preservation of the ruined abbey has fallen to Drew McKenzie-Smith and his family. Several years ago he learned of the abbey’s significance to the industry after visiting a website called Connoisseur Scotland . Further inspiration came when he was shown a copy of the late Michael Jackson’s book, ' Scotland and Its Whiskies .' In it, Jackson wrote of Lindores, “For the whisky lover it is a pilgrimage”. Following fifteen years of careful planning, construction work began on a new distillery that would not only capitalise on this whisky connection but also provide the means with which to preserve the abbey for future generations. In 2017, after five centuries of silence, the stills at Lindores Abbey began flowing again. There are actually two releases now in Australia: Lindores MCDXCIV and the MCDXCIV Commemorative First Release. They're essentially the same liquid, distinguished by a subtle notation on the label. Both come aged in a combination of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry and STR red wine barriques from Burgundy. Both are three and a half year old Lowlanders. You might expect Lindores to be on the lighter side, however it's more like a young Speysider, nicely balanced and not shy on flavour. There's even a nod to Linkwood on the nose where the aromas show surprising weight; Cream tea biscuits, pear drops, light beeswax, cocoa and citrus are echoed with impressive purity, depth and texture of the palate. A fine astringency checks the length, but it's auspicious as far as inaugural releases go - all that's needed is more time to add further layers of complexity. 46% Alc./Vol. Tasted from a 15ml sample.

Inspired by the crescent beach of Sandend Bay, Glenglassaugh Sandend is matured in bourbon, sherry, and manzanilla casks for luscious waves of flavor.

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.

Discover new flavours with Chivas Extra 13 Oloroso Sherry Cask. Selectively ageing* classic Chivas whisky for 13 years in Oloroso sherry casks results in an incomparable taste experience. The end result is marvellously rich, as sherry casks draw out the full-bodied flavours of our whisky. A portion of this whisky is selectively matured in Oloroso sherry casks for a rich finish. Vanilla caramel notes appear on the nose. Sweet ripe pears in syrup, cinnamon sweets and crisp almonds on the palate round off by rich and intense flavours on the finish.

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.