In its immediate environment, The Botanist Islay Dry Gin is working to reduce the impact of its operations and become more environmental in its actions, all with a heightened sensitivity to growing within its island home. Brand foragers adopt ethical practices within their own facility by hand-picking their botanicals, which without the use of machinery ensures that the greenery can continue to naturally flourish.
The Botanist’s full-time forager, James Donaldson, is responsible for sustainably sourcing the craft spirit’s 22 wild botanicals which are all native to Islay. Given the small-batch gin is comprised of local botanicals, Donaldson focuses on ensuring that the foraging is done so in a way that ensures the foliage can continue to flourish on the island. During the foraging season, March to October, Donaldson spends all day covering the Islay via electric vehicle and carefully selecting the botanicals, which he then must dry and prepare for the distillation process.
The result of all the foragers’ and distillers’ hard work is a gin that is as smooth as it is complex that exhibits a unique blend of spirit and botanicals. Flavors like wood sage, spearmint, juniper and more enhance the versatile spirit into an experience that connects gin-enthusiasts to the beverage’s roots—physically, ethically, and spiritually.