Tasting note

In the days before cask-matured Single Malts, distillers would often flavour their 'water of life' with plants including wild juniper - a key ingredient in gin. So it is theorized that these early Scotches tasted more like gin than whisky as we now know it. This gin features an unprecedented 31 botanicals, 22 of which are native to Islay. The nose is fascinating with lively juniper, sea air, nettle and wildflowers. The palate is smoky and spicy, with a note reminiscent of fresh pine needles. (VINTAGES panel, May 2011)

THE AROMAS EXPLODE LIKE AN OLFACTORY AURORA BOREALIS FILLING THE SENSES WITH METEORITES OF SMELL SENSATIONS AS THEY EXPLODE FROM THE GLASS. SWEET DELICATE MENTHOL, APPLE MINT, SPRING WOODLANDS, JUNIPER, CORIANDER WITH ANISEED UNDERTONES, LEMON AND ORANGE PEEL, A BOUQUET OF SUMMER FLOWERS ON THE MACHIR, HONEY FROM THISTLE, COCONUT FROM GORSE, WILD MINT AND SUMMER MEADOWS. IT’ S A MAGICAL MELODY OF ISLAY’ S’ NATURAL BOUNTY FROM THE ATLANTIC WASHED BEACHES TO THE SUMMIT OF HEATHER COVERED HILLS. INHALE AND YOU’ RE THERE ON THE QUEEN OF THE HEBRIDES!

As featured in Taste Magazine, Spring 2013. Of the 31 aromatics used in this distinctive gin, nine are classics and 22 are wild, Islay native botanicals like bog myrtle leaves and tansy. This small-batch gin is a first for Islay, best known for its scotch whiskies. The nose is floral and fresh, while the palate has hints of juniper, spice and citrus.