WILD INITIATIVES: the botanist gin
The Botanist Islay Dry Gin is more than gin—it’s a story of place, people, and purpose, shaped entirely by the remote Scottish island of Islay. Distilled at the B Corp certified Bruichladdich Distillery, The Botanist reflects a philosophy deeply rooted in craftsmanship, and care for the land and community that make it possible.
“Progress, innovation and sustainability have been the beating heart of Bruichladdich Distillery since our Hebridean site reopened in 2001. Back then, our founders didn’t see their work as strictly ‘eco-conscious’ or driven by environment, social and governance considerations, but they did see it as doing what was best for Islay and the community. In 2020, our B Corp certification formally recognised this inherent, purpose-led vision.”
Making the Most of What the Island Offers
When Bruichladdich Distillery was revived in 2001, it was operating with limited resources; they had to improvise and use what they had around them, which is part of the challenge of living on a remote island. The Botanist was born out of ingenuity and a desire to create something entirely unique from what was available on Islay. In 2010, legendary Islay distiller Jim McEwan and his team discovered an abandoned Lomond Still, a rare hybrid of column and pot stills. Only six were ever made; now one was theirs. Reengineered and brought back to life, this still would become the heart of The Botanist Gin.
But it was the island itself that provided the soul. Jim McEwan, along with local botanists Dr. Richard and Mavis Gulliver, explored Islay’s rugged, windswept landscape to identify 22 wild botanicals growing in abundance. From apple mint, bog myrtle, and sweet cicely to hawthorn and heather, these hand-foraged ingredients capture the island’s complex terroir and essence of Islay.
Isle of Islay, Scotland
“Distilling is a way of life, and for me it is a way of communicating to the world. We use the art of distillation and a connection to the land, our home, to create a wonderful gin that’s the essence of Islay.”
The Liquid: More Than the Sum of Its Parts
The Botanist’s liquid tells the story of its origin. Crafted by expert spirit makers at Bruichladdich Distillery, The Botanist Islay Dry Gin blends nine classic gin botanicals with the 22 hand-foraged wild botanicals sustainably gathered from the island. Each ingredient is carefully distilled using the refurbished Lomond Still, allowing the flavors to build gradually, preserving their delicate character and complexity. The result is an exceptionally smooth, harmonious gin with an ABV of 46%—a layered, balanced expression that elevates each botanical to become more than the sum of its parts.
Isle of Islay, Scotland
Bruichladdich Distillery, Isle of Islay, Scotland
The Botanist Gin
Authenticity Rooted in Place and People
The Botanist is made by real people in a real place. On an island of just 3,200 people in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, Bruichladdich became the first gin and whisky distillery in Europe to earn B Corporation certification in 2020. A recognition of its unwavering commitment to balancing the needs of people, planet, and profit. This is not a marketing badge; it’s a blueprint that guides every decision, from sourcing and production to employee well-being and community engagement.
“As custodians of Islay, Bruichladdich Distillery is working to reduce the impact of its operations and become more environmentally conscious of its actions. They aim to ensure that their impact is positive, and the distillery is left to future generations in a better condition than how they found it. Only with this holistic approach can they improve the quality of life for our planet and our people.”
Isle of Islay, Scotland
Foraging on Isle of Islay, Scotland
Biodiversity
Two full-time professional foragers sustainably hand-pick the 22 wild botanicals, ensuring biodiversity is protected and plant populations remain healthy for future generations.
The Botanist Foundation was set up in 2015 with the aim of working with the people of Islay and beyond in the fields of biodiversity, conservation and sustainability. The foundation supports projects that protect and restore fragile ecosystems, promote sustainable foraging, and preserve cultural plant knowledge. From juniper regeneration on Islay to community-led education in Scotland and biodiversity preservation in places like Brazil, Indonesia, China and Mexico.
“The Botanist Foundation supports projects that protect and restore fragile ecosystems, promote sustainable foraging, and preserve cultural plant knowledge.”
Isle of Islay, Scotland
Improving Circularity
The spent botanicals in The Botanist distillation are repurposed for compost and fertiliser at Bruichladdich’s croft land, ensuring they are put to good use rather than sent to landfill.
“From its hand-foraged wild botanicals to its global biodiversity foundation to its B Corp leadership, The Botanist is not just a gin, it’s a philosophy bottled. A celebration of nature’s quiet complexity. A reminder that even the smallest island can offer something profound to the world.”
Energy, Emissions & Climate Action
Running a Victorian-era distillery on a remote island presents significant challenges, but Bruichladdich Distillery is moving toward a carbon-neutral future. Trialling GreenFlame—a renewable heating oil specifically developed as a low-sulphur replacement for the light, medium and heavy process fuel oils prevalent in the UK. Upgraded water cooling systems, smart energy management, electrification, and expanded on-island renewables are all part of the roadmap to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. These actions are not about offsets, but about real, systemic change.
Isle of Islay, Scotland
Investing in Islay’s People & Community
With 106 team members, Bruichladdich is Islay’s largest private employer and an active supporter of the community. The distillery’s progressive HR policies prioritize mental health, family support, and staff well-being. Annual Community Days allow employees to volunteer across the island, and the distillery contributes to local initiatives focused on youth mentorship, environmental education, and mental health services. Every decision reflects a belief that sustainability begins with people.
Isle of Islay, Scotland
Why The Botanist Matters
In a spirits industry often driven by tradition and profit margins, The Botanist Gin represents something more: a living example of what business can look like when rooted in authenticity, stewardship, and long-term thinking. From balancing profit and purpose to its hand-foraged wild botanicals, from its global biodiversity foundation to its B Corp leadership, The Botanist is not just a gin—it’s a philosophy bottled. A reminder that even the smallest island can offer something profound to the world.
